NC State Launches Study on Upgraded Construction Helmet Adoption

Industry Pulse News Desk · 2026-09-24

Researchers at North Carolina State University are evaluating factors surrounding the industry-wide shift to enhanced Type II safety helmets.

Researchers at North Carolina State University have initiated a comprehensive study examining the adoption of advanced head protection equipment across the commercial and residential construction sectors. The research focuses on the transition from traditional Type I hard hats to upgraded Type II safety helmets.

The research initiative is funded by a grant from the Job-Site Safety Institute. Project investigators will evaluate the primary operational, financial, and cultural factors influencing trade contractors and site managers as they consider updating their mandatory safety protocols.

Traditional Type I protective helmets are designed primarily to absorb top-of-head impacts from falling tools and debris. Advanced Type II helmets provide broader coverage, offering enhanced defense against both top and lateral forces generated by falls, slips, or side-impact hazards common on modern job sites.

Newer helmet designs frequently incorporate integrated chin straps and expanded polystyrene foam liners, aligning with updated safety recommendations designed to lower the incidence of traumatic brain injuries among workers. Despite these performance advantages, equipment adoption across various trade disciplines remains inconsistent.

The study will collect survey data, conduct field interviews, and analyze site-level safety metrics from construction companies of diverse sizes. Researchers intend to publish guidelines to help safety directors address cost concerns and facilitate smoother equipment rollouts across the industry.