Hard hats are one of the most important pieces of personal protective equipment you can wear. Every year, over a thousand workers die on the job because of head injuries that may have been prevented if the victim had worn a hard hat. According to OSHA, an adequate hard hat will resist penetration, be shock absorbent, water resistant, and slow burning. The following five hard hats are some of the best on the market.
Vulcan® Cowboy Hard Hats ANSI Z89.1 rated
If you care about style as much as you care about safety, the Vulcan® cowboy hard hat is for you. Made with a high-density polyethylene exterior shell, this vintage style hat is for the authentic cowboy. The design features a pinch-top front and 6-point replacement suspension for comfort and durability.
V-Gard® Protective Full-Brim Hard Hats
Anybody looking for a classic yellow hard hat will find it with the V-Gard® Protective Full-Brim series of hard hats. Featuring a sweatband and crown straps that are adjustable, this hat is a reliable option for construction and industrial professionals. Its ratchet system is available in either Staz-On® pinlock or Fas-Trac® III for security and durability.
Classic Series Hard Hats
The classic series hard hat features a wider profile for better protection from hazards and UV rays. This, coupled with nylon straps that improve comfort, make it a great choice for anybody working outdoors in hazardous conditions. 6-point suspensions made from Flex-Gear® further reinforce its reliability, with an ANSI rating of Z89.1-2014 to prove its durability.
Model S51 Hard Hats
Bullard’s Model S51 Hard Hat is designed to work as hard as its wearer. As one of the best construction hard hats on the market, it features a sleek profile and flat front for comfort and durability. This, coupled with its high-density polyethylene shell, makes it the obvious choice for construction personnel who want a reliable sense of safety when they put on their hard hat.
Jackson Safety* SC-6 Hard Hats
The Jackson Safety SC-6 hard hat is designed with a smooth dome exterior made from dielectric high-density polyethylene. A ratchet suspension features four points for comfort, and unique accessory slots allow wearers to easily attach additional PPE items. The dielectric construction makes this hat ideal for professionals in jobs that may produce electric currents, so you can be sure you’re safe with an SC-6 on your head.
FAQs
What’s the risk of not wearing a hard hat?
People avoid wearing hard hats for a variety of different reasons, but in all cases, the risk is the same: death. Though this may sound dramatic, it is true that many people die every year from on-the-job head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries.
Why do different hard hats have different suspension systems?
The suspension system of a hard hat is designed to create separation between the head of the wearer and the hat itself. This allows the hat to better absorb shock and protect you from potential impact. It’s up to wearer preference what type of suspension system is the most comfortable.
Does a hard hat suspension system need to be replaced?
Because the suspension of your hard hat is so important, you do need to replace it intermittently. General wear and tear necessitates replacement every two years, but if there is an incident and your hard hat sustains a major impact, the suspension system should be replaced sooner.
What materials is a good hard hat made out of?
The material most commonly found in hard hat exteriors is high-density polyethylene. This plastic material is ideal because it is highly resistant to chemicals and maintains a solid, strong construction even under stress.
Are different hard hats better for different jobs?
There are many different types of hard hats available. Some are designed for use in construction while others are intended to be used in industrial settings. You can find a hard hat that’s made for your specific line of work, but the important part is finding one that is comfortable and OSHA approved.
Best Hard Hats for Construction
If you work in construction, you know how vitally important a good hard hat is. Construction isn’t the only industry that demands a hard hat, though. Workers in a range of industries can benefit from the protection it affords. Safety Gear Pro has a comprehensive selection of hard hats. Call us at (832) 850-2979 or reach out online to find the head protection you need.
