How do you know which hard hat would be best for construction?
Construction workers are at risk of head injuries, so choosing the right safety gear is important. This blog post will cover what to look for when buying a hard hat and how to choose the best one.
Buying Guide:
There are a few things to consider when purchasing a hard hat for construction. The first is the type of job you will be doing. Construction workers may need to wear different hats for different types of work.
For example, those working in construction typically wear hard hats with a brim, while those working in road construction often wear hard hats without a brim.
The next thing to consider is the type of environment you will be working in. A hard hat that is suitable for a construction site may not be suitable for an outdoor worksite.
For example, a hard hat with a solar shield is ideal for construction workers who are exposed to the sun, while those working in cold environments may need a hard hat with a liner.
Safety is also an important consideration when choosing a hard hat. Some hats are designed to protect against specific types of injuries. For example, there are hard hats that are designed to protect against electrical shock or impact injuries.
It’s also important to choose the right size hard hat. Hard hats come in different sizes and shapes, so it’s important to get the right fit. If a hard hat is too small, it won’t protect your head properly and may fall off easily. On the other hand, if a hard hat is too large, it might not be comfortable or provide enough protection.
Finally, consider your budget when choosing a hard hat. Hard hats can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars.
So, what’s the best hard hat for construction? The answer depends on your needs and preferences. However, some hard hats are better than others, so let’s take a look at some of the best.
Hard Hat Types:
There are a few different types of hard hats that are commonly used in construction:
Brimmed Hard Hats: Brimmed hard hats are the most common type of hard hat. They have a brim around the edge of the hat that helps to protect the face and neck from sun exposure and other hazards. Brimmed hard hats are typically worn by construction workers and other workers who are exposed to the elements.
Hard Hats Without a Brim: Hard hats without a brim are typically worn by road construction workers. They provide protection from the sun, but do not offer as much protection from other hazards as a brimmed hat.
Hard Hats With a Solar Shield: Hard hats with a solar shield are designed to protect against sun exposure. They have a shield that blocks the sun’s rays and helps to keep the head cool.
Hard Hats With a Liner: Hard hats with a liner are designed to protect against cold weather. They have a liner that helps to keep the head warm in cold weather conditions.
Hard Hats With Impact Protection: Hard hats with impact protection are designed to protect the head from impact injuries. They have a foam liner that helps to absorb the shock of an impact.
Hard Hats With Electrical Protection: Hard hats with electrical protection are designed to protect against electrical shock. They have a layer of material that helps to prevent electrical current from passing through the hat.
Hard Hats With Reflective Material: Hard hats with reflective material are designed to make the worker more visible in low light conditions. They have a layer of material that reflects light back to the source, making the worker easier to see.
Hard Hats With a Slot for a Camera: Hard hats with a slot for a camera are designed to allow construction workers to take pictures or videos of their work. They have a hole in the top of the hat that allows the worker to insert a camera.
Top 10 Best Hard Hat for Construction in 2022
1. LIFT Safety DAX Full-Brim Hard Hat:
If you’re looking for a hard hat that offers superior protection from impact injuries, the LIFT Safety DAX Full-Brim Hard Hat is a great option. This hard hat has a fiber-reinforced resin shell that helps to absorb the shock of an impact. It also comes with a six-point suspension system for maximum comfort.
The brim grip design provides a secure feel, and the perforated Clarino synthetic leather comfort dome with molded EVA foam insert helps to protect against shocks and impacts.
This hard hat meets ANSI Z89.1-2014 requirements for Type 1, Class C. So, if you’re looking for a durable and comfortable hard hat that offers superior protection from impact, the LIFT Safety DAX Full-Brim Hard Hat is a great option.
Pros:
- ASTM tested and certified
- Can be used in any weather conditions
- Lightweight, weighing only 0.55 pounds
- Comfortable to wear with the six-point suspension system
cons:
- Expensive
2. Malta Dynamics 4 pt. Full Brim Style Hard Hat:
The Malta Dynamics 4 pt. Full Brim Style Hard Hat is a top pick for those in the construction industry. It features an innovative design with a poly brow pad and suspension that bends at flexible points, providing a better and more secure fit.
The hard hat is also equipped with a permanent under-brim glare guard and a rugged, lightweight polyethylene shell that holds up to tough punishment and weather elements.
The ratchet suspension ensures easy size adjustments and the cushion pillows provide a snug, comfortable fit in compliance with ANSI/ISEA standards.
Pros:
- very safe
- ANSI/ISEA compliant
- Ratchet suspension
- 4-pt. full brim design ensures maximum protection from fall and splash damage
- polyethylene shell is lightweight yet durable
Cons:
- Not as high quality as some other options on the market
3. 3M Hard Hat:
3M is a company that needs no introduction. It is well-known for its high-quality products that always deliver. The 3M Hard Hat is no exception – it is a lightweight and low-pressure hard hat that is perfect for construction workers.
It features a four-point ratchet suspension system for a comfortable, secure fit, and it also meets the ANSI Z891 Class G and E for protection against electrical contact. It is a great hard hat for anyone working in a construction environment.
Pros:
- It is a lightweight hat
- It meets the ANSI Z891 standard
- The four-point ratchet suspension system ensures a comfortable and secure fit
Cons:
- Some customers complain
4. Oregon Chainsaw Safety Protective Helmet With Visor Hard Hat:
The Oregon Chainsaw Safety Protective Helmet with Visor is a hard hat that is perfect for construction workers. It features a durable, impact-resistant helmet with 6 ventilation holes for high breathability.
The 6 point easy adjust harness ensures a precise snug fit, while the articulated cap-mounted ear cups provide superior noise reduction. The wider, durable stainless steel mesh visor provides enhanced visibility, and the flip up/flip down functionality allows you to easily adjust it to your needs.
Pros:
- Durable, impact-resistant helmet
- 6 ventilation holes for high breathability
- 6 point easy adjust harness for precise snug fit
- Articulated cap-mounted ear cups for superior noise reduction
- Wider, durable stainless steel mesh visor with flip up/flip down functionality
Cons:
- May not fit all head sizes
5. LIFT Cap Style Safety Hard Hat:
If you’re looking for a hard hat that will provide superior protection, the LIFT Cap Style Safety Hard Hat is a great option. It meets ANSI Z89. 1-2014 requirements for type 1 Class G & C, or C, and features a brim grip to provide a secure feel.
Additionally, it has an oversized ratcheting fitment dial to adjust size, as well as a moisture-wicking foam backed Microfiber liner to reduce sweat build-up. The triple reinforced Crown ensures superior impact protection.
Pros:
- Meets ANSI Z89. 1-2014 requirements
- Brim grip provides a secure feel
- Oversized ratcheting fitment dial to adjust size
- Moisture-wicking foam backed Microfiber liner reduces sweat build-up
- Triple reinforced Crown for superior impact protection
Cons:
- Non-adjustable suspension system
6. Klein Tools Hard Hat:
Klein Tools is a major name in the construction world, and their safety hard hat model is another example of the firm’s commitment to excellence. The accessory mounts on front and back provide secure attachment for Klein headlamps, which can be attached with no hassles or straps needed.
Wearers will also appreciate the sweat-wicking, machine-washable sweatband and top pad. Correct hard hat usage has been shown to reduce the likelihood of suffering an accident by 60 percent, so the Klein Tools Hard Hat is a valuable investment for anyone working at height.
We recommend this product to any construction worker who wants to ensure they are as safe as possible on the job, and anyone who wants an accessory-ready hard hat.
Pros:
- Secure accessory mounts on front and back
- Breathable, padded sweatband and top pad
- Adjustable vents
- Unique suspension system
- Meets stringent safety standards
Cons:
- Some users find the hat uncomfortable to wear for long periods
7. MSA Safety Natural Tan Skullgard Hard Hat:
The MSA Safety Natural Tan Skullgard Hard Hat is a top-quality product intended for general use or for use in elevated temperatures. This hard hat has been tested to radiant heat loads producing temperatures up to, but not exceeding 350°F and meets the voluntary standard for reverse donning, low temperature, higher temperature, and Hi-Viz.
It is crafted with a phenolic shell and made for durability, toughness, and quality to be used in steel mills, welding, construction open-pit mining, oil/gas/petrochemical refineries, rubber manufacturing and steam tunnels.
It comes equipped with a Fas-Trac III suspension designed based on opinions and input from hundreds of customers. The suspension functions as an improved ratchet suspension, with features such as flush rear lug attachments, three levels of nape strap adjustment, and a contoured ratchet comfort pad to prevent hair-pulling. MSA provides a variety of sizes and colors in custom imprinting options.
Pros:
- Meets professional standards
- Available in a variety of sizes and colors
- Crafted with a phenolic shell for durability
- Fas-Trac III suspension is designed based on customer feedback for improved functionality
- Contoured ratchet comfort pad prevents hair-pulling
Cons:
- Suspension may not fit everyone’s head comfortably.
8. PYRAMEX Ridgeline Full Brim Cap Style Hard Hat:
The Pyramex Ridgeline Full brim cap style hard hat is a great choice for those looking for a lightweight and comfortable hard hat. This hard hat is made of ABS material, which makes it strong yet lightweight.
It also has a vented pressure pad to keep the straps in place and provide additional comfort. The low profile design offers a lower center of gravity for better balance and control. It also features an easy to grasp knob that adjusts the suspension from 6 1/2 to 8 inches.
This Pyramex hard hat has 4-position harness points, which allow you to move the harness forward, backward, up or down providing ultimate comfort. Finally, it comes with a replaceable sweat band that is padded fabric and polyurethane foam for all day wear.
Pros:
- Light weight
- Low center of gravity
- Easy to grasp knob
- 4 positions harness points for ultimate comfort
- Replaceable sweat band with padded fabric and polyurethane foam (for all day wear)
Cons:
- Some users feel that the hat, while having a lot of extra features, is not as tough as other hard hats on the market
9. Evolution Deluxe Full Brim Hard Hat:
The Evolution Deluxe Full Brim Hard Hat is a top-of-the-line product that offers superior comfort and protection. This hard hat is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for a durable and long-lasting product.
It also features a full brim to provide additional protection against the sun, glare, rain, and falling debris. The 6-point suspension system with polyester textile straps offers unrivalled comfort without compromising performance.
It also comes with a unique “3D adjustment” for precise fit to make sure it’s snug but not too tight. This hard hat also comes with a revolution wheel ratchet which is easy to use and makes for a firm fit.
The Evolution Deluxe Full Brim Hard Hat meets ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009, Type I, Class C requirements. It’s available in four colors – black, white, lime green, and yellow.
Pros:
- Durable and long-lasting HDPE shell
- Full brim for additional protection
- 6-point suspension system for unrivalled comfort
- 3D adjustment for precise fit
- Revolution wheel ratchet for firm and comfortable fit
Cons:
- May be too snug for some people’s liking
10. Team Wendy EXFIL LTP Helmet with Rail:
The Team Wendy EXFIL LTP Helmet with Rail is a high-quality helmet designed for construction workers and other professionals who need head protection. Its Zorbium foam liner with customizable comfort pads enhances comfort, while its side rails with MAGPUL MOE picatinny rails included offer the versatility to add accessories.
Additionally, it features a built-in NVG shroud that utilizes an integrated machined aluminum shroud insert optimized for use with night vision devices. The Boa Fit System stabilizes the weight of the helmet by distributing a light, even pressure around the head, similar in feel to a baseball cap.
The rear bungee for securing goggle straps and the external loop for mounting counterweights, lights, ID patches are also noteworthy features.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Removable/replaceable liner
- Stowaway goggle strap holder
Cons:
- Expensive
Conclusion:
We’ve provided a list of the best hard hats for construction. If you are looking to purchase an industrial-strength hat, keep reading! Which one do you think is the most protective? Let us know in the comments below.
FAQS:
Q: What type of hard hat is best for construction workers?
A: Hard hats with a solar shield are best for construction workers, as they protect against the sun’s rays. Hard hats with impact protection are also recommended, as they help to protect the head from impact injuries.
Q: What type of hard hat should I buy if I am working in cold weather conditions?
A: Hard hats with a liner are best for working in cold weather conditions, as they help to keep the head warm.
Q: What type of hard hat should I buy if I am working in hazardous conditions?
A: Hard hats with impact protection are recommended for workers who are in hazardous conditions, as they help to protect the head from impact injuries.
Q: What type of hard hat should I buy if I am working in a high-risk environment?
A: Hard hats with a solar shield are recommended for workers who are in high-risk environments, as they protect against the sun’s rays.
Q: What is the difference between a hard hat and a safety helmet?
A: A hard hat is designed to protect the head from impact injuries, while a safety helmet is designed to protect the head from electrical shocks and other hazards.
Q: How do I adjust the fit of my hard hat?
A: To adjust the fit of your hard hat, loosen the screws on the side and then slide it to the desired position. Then, tighten the screws to hold it in place.
Q: Can I wear my hard hat when I am not working?
A: You can wear your hard hat when you are not working, but you should remove the chin strap to avoid injury if it falls off. Hard hats should also be stored in a dry place when they are not being used.