Modern Contractor Solutions February 2025 - 28

equipment solution
PPE
Helmets and Hardhats
study reveals industry at a turning point for protection practices
By Tom Matthews
A
comprehensive study on head
protection practices and challenges
was recently conducted by the
International Safety Equipment Association
(ISEA) and J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. The
public can download the results of the study,
titled " A Turning Point for Head Protection, "
on the J. J. Keller Safegear Protect website,
and members of ISEA can download the
study report on the association's website.
For 90 years, ISEA has been a recognized
leader in the development of ANSIaccredited
safety equipment standards.
The organization advocates on behalf of the
industry for policies that improve worker
safety and deliver actionable insights on the
safety equipment market.
KEY FINDINGS
Head protection terminology is unclear
in the market today. While most safety
professionals responding to the study
expressed confidence that they understood
various head protection terms, our research
reveals there is actually significant confusion
and over-simplification in the differences
(and similarities) between hardhats
and helmets.
Safety managers experience multiple
pain points when it comes to managing
head protection. With more options for
head protection than ever before, safety
managers find themselves navigating a
more complicated decision-making process.
They are challenged to get employees to
consistently wear head protection. They're
also challenged to find head protection that
is comfortable for all workers.
Care and maintenance of head protection
needs improvement. Only 54 percent of the
responding safety managers train workers
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FEBRUARY 2025
on how to maintain their head protection,
suggesting a significant opportunity.
Standards organizations, manufacturers
and other experts have an opportunity to
educate the industry. These groups can
provide safety managers with clarity, guidance
and education to address the evolving
landscape of head protection.
SUMMARY
" Head protection has been a cornerstone
of workplace safety for decades, " says Cam
Mackey, president and CEO of ISEA. " While
the growing variety of head protection options
provides greater choice, it has also introduced
some confusion for safety professionals and
workers. Addressing these challenges headon
and clarifying the most effective solutions
and standards will ensure better protection
and safety for all. "
J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. and ISEA,
both dedicated to promoting worker
safety, recognized the need for clarity in
head protection practices. Through their
collaborative efforts, they aim to enhance
overall safety through education and outreach
" The first step towards achieving this goal
is to understand the challenges and usage
patterns of safety professionals and head
protection users, " says Bob Larsen, vice
president of research and development with
J. J. Keller. " We believe that the findings of
this study will inspire meaningful discussions
among regulators, safety professionals, and
industry experts, and ultimately contribute to
enhanced worker safety and well-being. "
for more information
The purpose at J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. is
to protect people and the businesses they run.
Transportation, construction, utility, healthcare,
education and industrial organizations of all sizes
rely on J. J. Keller & Associates' expert insights to
help create safe work environments and simplify
complex government regulations. Find more at
www.jjkeller.com.
www.mcsmag.com
http://www.jjkeller.com http://www.mcsmag.com
Modern Contractor Solutions February 2025

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