Choose head protection by hazard: OSHA’s bulletin points construction and height work to Type II with chin straps

OSHA’s bulletin on head protection explains Type I and Type II impact protection and Class G, E and C electrical ratings, suggests Type II with chin straps for construction and chin straps for work at height, says vented helmets cannot be used for electrical work, and says to retire any helmet after an impact even without visible damage.

Source facts

OSHA’s bulletin Head Protection: Safety Helmets in the Workplace (SHIB 3-6-2024) says Type I head protection protects against blows to the top of the head and Type II against blows to the top and sides, while Class G is proof tested at 2,200 volts, Class E at 20,000 volts and Class C is not intended to protect against electrical contact. It says employers must conduct a hazard assessment to decide whether head protection is needed and which type, and that OSHA chose Type II, Class G safety helmets for its own employees.

For construction sites with falling objects, equipment impacts, awkward positions or slip and fall hazards, the bulletin suggests considering Type II head protection with chin straps, and for work at height, chin straps to keep the helmet from falling off. For electrical work it points to Class G and Class E and says vented hard hats or safety helmets cannot be used, and it describes labeled options for heat, cold and high visibility.

Its care steps include inspecting the shell for cracks or dents and the suspension and chin strap for wear, keeping helmets out of cars and away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, keeping inspection records, and discarding any hard hat or helmet that has been impacted, even with no visible damage. The bulletin says it creates no new legal obligations, while OSHA’s construction standard requires protective helmets where there is a possible danger of head injury.

Applicability

Use this when choosing head protection for installers, technicians and site visitors. Michigan employers follow MIOSHA, whose standards may differ from OSHA’s, and the right type for each job comes from the employer’s own hazard assessment.

DSE recommendation

DSE recommends basing head protection on a written hazard assessment and issuing Type II helmets with chin straps to installers who work at height or on construction sites. Use unvented Class E helmets near electrical hazards, inspect helmets before use, replace any helmet that takes an impact, and record issue and inspection dates.

Verification

Spot-check helmets on site for type and class labels, chin straps, damage and inspection records, and confirm replacements after any reported impact.

Official reference

OSHA — Head Protection: Safety Helmets in the Workplace (Safety and Health Information Bulletin). Reviewed October 19, 2026.