Head Protection for Safe Work
Head protection is essential in work environments where there is a risk of impact, falling objects, or blows to the head. Wearing the proper protection significantly reduces the risk of head injuries. In sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and engineering, head protection is often required by applicable safety regulations. At All Safety, you’ll find a wide range of professional head protection solutions suitable for a variety of work conditions.
Types of Head Protection
There are various types of head protection available, depending on the risks and the nature of the work. Commonly used types include safety helmets for protection against falling objects, bump caps for light impacts and bumps, helmet accessories for added comfort and functionality, and combinations with face and hearing protection. By choosing the right type, the protection is optimally suited to the tasks and the level of hazard in the work environment.
Safety Helmets Explained
A safety helmet is the most commonly used form of head protection and offers protection against heavy impacts and falling objects. These helmets are designed to absorb forces and protect the head in the event of an accident. They are used in construction, industry and manufacturing, technical and logistics environments, and during work at heights or with machinery. A properly fitting helmet is essential for optimal protection and comfort.
When is head protection required?
Head protection is mandatory whenever there is a risk of head injury. This is determined through the RI&E (Risk Inventory and Evaluation) and the applicable laws and regulations within the sector. Situations in which head protection is often required include working beneath structures, environments with falling objects, work on construction sites, and high-risk industrial applications. Wearing the proper protective gear is essential for working safely and responsibly.
Standards and Safety
Head protection must comply with European safety standards to be suitable for professional use. These standards determine whether a helmet or other protective equipment provides sufficient protection against specific risks. Key considerations include certification according to applicable standards, suitability for the work environment, compatibility with other PPE, and regular inspection for wear and damage. Choosing certified head protection ensures safety in the workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Head Protection
The new standard NEN-EN 397:2025 is currently in effect, replacing the previous version, EN 397:2012+A1:2012. The new standard NEN-EN 397:2025 was published on May 1, 2025, by the standards institute.
Safety helmets must bear a CE mark, which indicates that they comply with the relevant European safety standards.
The Working Conditions Act requires employers to provide appropriate and suitable PPE. Formally, this is based on the Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E) and the action plan. In practice, it has been shown that within the manufacturing and construction industries, head protection in accordance with the EN 397:2025 standard is considered the appropriate standard. By doing so, the employer complies with the EU PPE Regulation 2016/425.
The introduction of Type 1 and Type 2 safety helmets instead of a single-level safety helmet. Type 1 is tested for impact on the crown (on-crown). Type 2 is tested for impact on and off the crown (on- and off-crown). Separate, more stringent requirements for the chin strap in Type 2. The 440 V electrical insulation option is no longer applicable; electrical properties are now covered by EN 50365:2023. Accessories (visor, ear muffs, lamp, etc.) that may affect performance must be installed prior to testing. New requirements include the mandatory ergonomic assessment, specifically the high-visibility option, the option for electrostatic dissipative properties, and the off-crown penetration resistance option. The former LD (lateral deformation) option has been discontinued (protection against upward and lateral impacts).
Type 1: Provides impact protection primarily on the crown (from falling objects from above). The impact level is comparable to the old standard NEN-EN 397:2012. The chin strap must release when subjected to a force greater than 150 N to prevent strangulation or entanglement. In summary: Type 1 is intended for general work on the ground without a significant risk of falls for the user.
Type 2: Provides protection on the crown and laterally at the front and back (on- and off-crown). The impact performance level is closer to EN 12492 (climbing and fall protection helmets). The chin strap is a mandatory component of the retention system and must withstand a force of >500 N (must release at >500 N) so that the helmet stays securely on the head in the event of a fall or impact. In summary: Type 2 is suitable for work at heights and work situations involving greater lateral impact.
EN 50365 applies to electrically insulating safety helmets used near low-voltage installations. EN 14052 applies to safety helmets with a high level of protection, offering more protection than EN 397:2025 alone can provide. EN 12492 for safety helmets used during work at heights where protection against side impacts is essential.
On the inside of the shell, you'll see the EN number (397) and the year 2025. You'll also see the Type 1 or Type 2 designation, a list of options or additional features, the name or brand (manufacturer), the size, and the date of manufacture.
This depends in part on the material from which the safety helmet is made. For a polyethylene safety helmet, the replacement period is 3 years. For ABS and polycarbonate, it is 5 years. For textile-reinforced phenolic resin, it is 8 years, and for fiberglass, it is 10 years. Discoloration of the UV indicator also signals that the helmet has aged and needs to be replaced. Always replace the helmet immediately after a severe impact. Replace it if there is discoloration, deformation, hairline cracks, or visible degradation (the shell becoming powdery). If the helmet or its interior is damaged (stretched chin strap, defective adjustment system/dial). If the service life, indicated on the inside of the shell or on the interior, has expired.