Research and Development
Helmet research, testing and investigation regarding function, fit, durability, comfort, improvements and future directions.
Construction Helmet Ratings
In collaboration with and funded by the John R Gentille Foundation, ELECTRI International, the American Society of Concrete Contractors, and The Association of Union Constructors, we have evaluated 31 construction helmets using the STAR testing system.
First-ever construction helmet ratings show modern designs can save lives
Virginia Tech Helmet Lab expands beyond sports to develop ratings system for safety helmets
This summer, researchers will begin an 18-month study to develop the first ratings system for safety helmets, also commonly referred to as hard hats or construction helmets.
Construction Helmets and Work-related Traumatic Brain Injury | CDC
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury. TBIs are a global public health problem and is a leading cause of injury-related death and disability...
Evaluation of the Fall Protection of Type I Industrial Helmets
The performance of Type I industrial helmets for fall protection is not required to be tested in standardized tests. The current study analyzed the fall protection performance of Type I industrial helmets and evaluated if the use of a chin strap and the suspension...
Evaluation of a novel bicycle helmet concept in oblique impact testing
A novel bicycle helmet concept has been developed to mitigate rotational head acceleration, which is a predominant mechanism of traumatic brain injury (TBI). This WAVECEL concept employs a collapsible cellular structure that is recessed within the helmet to provide a...
The Effect of Color on Temperatures Inside Hardhats
MTDC conducted an informal test to evaluate the temperatures inside hardhats of various colors. The hardhats used were all new, cap-style Bullard FH911 Wildfire series hardhats. White, black, red, blue, yellow and orange hardhats were tested.
Effect of Helmet Design on Impact Performance of Industrial Safety Helmets
Comparative studies of different helmet designs are essential to determine differences in helmet performance. The present study comparatively evaluated the impact performance of hardhat helmets, climbing-style safety helmets, and helmets with novel rotation-damping...
Effects of Ventilated Safety Helmets in a Hot Environment
Forest workers are likely to remove head protection in hot and humid conditions because of thermal discomfort. However, a recent Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation revision requires all workers in logging operations to wear safety helmets,...
Efficacy of Hard Hats in Attenuating Head Accelerations: A Combined Experimental and Computational Investigation
Struck-by accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the construction industry. While hard hats are the conventional means of industrial head protection, the current test standard to evaluate hard hat performance does not assess their ability to...