New helmet safety research sponsored by the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) and conducted at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab has produced results that should prompt every jobsite to take a hard look at its head protection standards.
Episode 5 of the Construction Helmet Research Program series explains what the data shows about Type I versus Type II performance.
Helmets were tested under fall-specific conditions, the most common cause of serious head injuries on jobsites. Type II helmets dramatically outperformed traditional Type I hard hats. Workers wearing Type I hard hats experienced significantly more force transferred to the head on impact, translating directly into higher injury risk.
The numbers tell the story. Of every 100 serious head injuries involving workers in Type I hard hats, approximately 65 could have been prevented had those workers been wearing Type II helmets instead. Testing also showed that top-performing Type II helmets reduce the risk of skull fracture by up to 75% compared to lower-performing Type I models. These are not incremental improvements. They represent a fundamental difference in protection.
The reason for the performance gap comes down to construction. Type II helmets contain energy-absorbing materials, typically foam liners, inside the shell. When an impact occurs, those materials compress and absorb force before it reaches the head, reducing skull deformation and lowering the likelihood of fracture. Type I hard hats lack this internal protection layer, leaving workers more exposed in a fall.
Based on this research, the official recommendation is clear: transition to Type II helmets. They are easy to identify by their label, chin strap, and internal liner. The evidence is straightforward. A significant portion of the head injuries happening on jobsites today do not need to happen. Type II helmets are a proven, available solution.
The Construction Helmet Research Program is sponsored by JRGF, ELECTRI International, The Association of Union Constructors, and American Society of Concrete Contractors. The goal is straightforward: provide independent, third-party research so contractors can evaluate helmet performance based on measurable outcomes rather than assumptions.
For more information and to follow ongoing helmet ratings for the construction industry, visit the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings Lab website.
The Six-Part Video Series
To ensure the industry understands the data — and the science behind it — JRGF has produced a six-part short video series that walks contractors step-by-step through the research, testing protocols, findings, and practical implications for construction safety programs. Catch up on what you missed and see what’s coming soon below.
- Explaining the Issue: A clear look at how head injuries occur on construction sites and why lateral impacts deserve more attention. Watch the Video
- Partnering with Virginia Tech Helmet Labs: Why the industry engaged an independent, nationally recognized testing lab to conduct objective evaluations. Watch the Video
- Inside the Testing Process: A detailed explanation of impact testing methods, instrumented headforms, and how linear and rotational forces are measured. Watch the Video
- The Star Rating System: How helmets are evaluated beyond minimum standards and how performance differences are quantified. Watch the Video
- Explaining the Results: What the data shows about Type I versus Type II performance and how the 75 percent reduction figure was calculated. Watch the Video
- Why This Matters to Construction: Practical guidance for contractors evaluating head protection policies in real-world jobsite conditions. Coming Soon!
