Key Takeaways
Approximately 25,684 worker’s fatalities occurred in the U.S. construction industry from 2017-2021 with an estimated 16% (4,109) of those fatalities occurring because of a fall to the same level or a lower level and 4% (1,079) of those fatalities occurring from injuries to the head
Hard hats, first patented in 1929, may not adequately protect from side or lateral impacts and may be provided and used incorrectly without a chin strap
Head injuries sustained from participation in professional/recreational sports may result in fatalities, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Ancient civilizations’s military helmets were used 4500 years ago; military helmets have been the design source for patented head protection at least since the 1920s
Safety helmets have been designed with increased head protection as well as a chin strap to protect the head from lateral and vertical impacts and to secure the helmet to the head in case of a fall
Advancements especially for military, bicycle, National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), and National Football League (NFL) helmets in recent years show improvements in head protection that could be applied to hard hats and helmets
Inspection, maintenance and user instruction are critical components of head protection gear
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