Did you know that most hard hats worn today are using technology from the 1960s? Hard hats are essential equipment for many types of workers to protect them from concussions. The fact that hard hat technology is so dated is a problem for many employers. To address this issue, an orthopedic surgeon and lab director in Portland have teamed up to create a better, safer hard hat. Their hope is that these new hats will prevent even more workplace concussions. 
What’s different about these hard hats
Older hard hats are good at protecting from direct hits, but they don’t do as well protecting workers from glancing blows that cause the head to rotate suddenly. These upgraded hard hats keep brains more stationary when the head is rotating which can go a long way toward preventing concussions. They’re designed to work like sand, absorbing a rotational blow by breaking the spin. Studies done on bike helmets with this technology have shown that they prevent more concussions than traditional helmets. However, cost is an issue, as these new hard hats are currently priced much higher than traditional hard hats. But with the increased protection, they may be worth it for your workforce.
Concussion prevention
Concussions are traumatic brain injuries caused by a blow to the head or whiplash that results in the head and brain moving rapidly back and forth. Depending on the severity of the concussion, recovery can take a very long time. It’s important for employers to do whatever they can to prevent these injuries. Besides ensuring employees have adequate protective equipment, like hard hats, employers should also do what they can to ensure the workplace is as safe as possible. This means ensuring tools are properly stored and surfaces aren’t slippery. Many concussions occur when employees slip, fall, and hit their heads. By providing protective equipment and a safe workplace, employers can prevent many of these serious injuries.
