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What Are the Differences Between Safety Helmets and Hard Hats?

The hard hat has been synonymous with construction and manual labor industries, but modern work environments are finding that hard hats may not be the safest to use. From aluminum, fiberglass, to hard plastic, hard hats have seen changes over the past 100 years. Workplaces are now finding the use of safety helmets as safer alternatives.

Hard hats are traditionally meant to protect from falling objects directly above the head, and they offer little to no protection to the back or sides of the head. However, modern hard hats are now evolving into safety helmets, the types you normally see a hiker, rock climber, or skier wear. They include features, such as chin straps, ventilation, visors, lighting, and protective padding. They also lack a brim that you normally would see on a traditional hard hat.

Hard Hat and Helmet Types and Classes

Workplace head protection is given a type and class according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations:

  • American National Standards Institute (ANSI) compliant head protection is the industry standard that OSHA requires employers to follow. The “type” is the amount of protection it provides from impact, while “class” refers to protection from electrical shock.
  • ANSI Type I helmets or hard hats protect against impact to the top of the head.
  • ANSI Type II helmets or hard hats protect against impact to the sides and the top of the head.
  • Class E stands for “electrical” and can withstand up to 20,000 volts.
  • Class G is for “general” and can withstand up to 2,200 volts.
  • Class C is for “conductive” and does not provide any protection from electricity.
  • Type I Class C hard hats are the standard helmet for construction workers.

Many workers switch between hard hats and safety helmets, depending on the job they are performing. Safety helmets are primarily used for those at risk of falling or getting hit on the side or back of the head, while hard hats are used by those at ground level.

Safety helmets have many positives, but also a few negatives. Not only do safety helmets offer better protection over hard hats, but they typically last longer, sometimes up to 10 years. However, they are quite expensive, with some ranging from $100 or more, which make them difficult to replace should they get lost.

Most workers find safety helmets to be more comfortable as well. Modern helmets can be equipped with accessories, such as shields, visors, and ear and neck protectors. They can also be equipped with different suspensions, such as 4-point or 8-point suspension specifically designed for the wearer.

Some construction workers may feel uncomfortable making the switch, but the safety that helmets provide is invaluable and more companies are leaning towards their use. The proper use of equipment can lead to less workplace accidentsinjuries, and even Workers’ Compensation claims.

West Chester Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello Help Those Who Have Been Injured in the Workplace

If you have an injury because of a work accident, contact one of our West Chester Workers’ Compensation lawyers at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello for legal help. Call us at (610) 892-4940 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Media, Pennsylvania, we serve clients across Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lancaster, Montgomery County, Norristown, Philadelphia, Reading, and West Chester.

Contact the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello

To discuss your case in a free, confidential consultation with attorney Deborah M. Truscello, Esq., call or fill out the form below. 

From our office located in Media, PA we serve the surrounding areas of

  • Bucks County
  • Chester County
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Including but not limited to
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For Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability cases, we have a contingency fee based on a percentage of what we obtain for you. We will not charge you any fee unless and until we settle your case, prevent the loss of your benefits or obtain benefits for you. 

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testimonials

Why Clients Choose Deborah

Heather A
2023-03-01
I have known Deb for years now and it all started in 2009 when I got hurt and needed legal help with my workers comp. I randomly chose Deb because of the things I read on her website and I liked that she had a take charge attitude about just about everything. She out-lawyered someone and got me more in a settlement for that and then also worked with me on another case and won that one as well for me. If you get to know Deb and her personal story, you will get to know an amazing single mom who has had her own struggles and has come out so much stronger. She will fight for you if you do your part as a client and follow her guidance. I have now used two women lawyers in Media and three men and I actually found the two women far more effective and both won my cases that the men lost. Without Deb and my other lawyer winning the cases for me that they did - I could have found myself disabled for good with no money to pay for the life I live because I can’t work now. I credit my ability to be able to eat and have transportation and all. I couldn’t be more grateful for their hard work they did for me. Deb has won two of my cases and I would absolutely refer others to her for the same kinds of cases and I would use her again if I ever needed her help again!
Daveen Carpenter
2019-10-08
Deborah's team went above and beyond to get my case settled quickly. I am forever grateful
Rebecca Porter
2019-09-24
If you ever need a worker’s compensation attorney, I highly suggest using Deborah Truscello. I had a work accident injury and was referred to Deborah. She was with me every step of the way, with this long-drawn-out process. She was there any time I had questions or needed advice on my rehabilitation. Now my case is settled. I am very happy how things turned out and I owe it all to her. I can't thank her enough. I will use her again if I ever need too.
Jackson Jones
2019-09-01
Deborah is an excellent lawyer. She was professional, knowledgeable, and made me and my case feel important. She was always accessible and answered all of my questions. I would definitely recommend Debbie to anyone injured at work and in need of legal services.
K M
2019-05-18
I am a client of Deborah Truscello and also a woman of color. Deborah Truscello is not a bigot nor is she a racist. I hired Ms. Truscello back in 2016 for a very nasty custody case against a crazy man who has a history of dragging all his children through the court system. Ms. Truscello has been nothing but professional and well organized. She is very reliable and always available. I could contact her any time of the day or night and she is always responsive to my text messages, calls, and emails. If you are considering hiring her as your attorney I highly recommend you schedule a consultation and see for yourself you will not be disappointed.
Andrew Kriegh
2018-08-17
Amazing law firm, they have helped me so much and enlightened me to the options I have, and to the right doctors who are still treating my issues... Very professional and very great people glad to have her in my team!!
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