It’s wild to imagine that just over 100 years ago, hard hats didn’t exist, and only around 50 years ago, most workers weren’t even required to wear head protection.
How It All Began with The Hard-Boiled Hat
In [1]1919, Edward W. Bullard patented the first hard hat that was appropriately named, ‘The Hard-Boiled Hat’, due to the steam used while in the manufacturing process. It was made from steamed canvas, glue, a leather brim and black paint. As a young lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s cavalry during World War I, Edward witnessed first-hand the effectiveness of helmets and realised they could revolutionise safety within the postwar industrial world.
Since then, leaps have been endured to ensure the development of the hard hat, with them officially being made mandatory in the [2]UK in 1990.
How Helmets Save Lives
I think it’s fair to say sometimes, we are no strangers of feeling invincible, falling into the "that won’t happen to me" mindset. Since the development of the safety helmet as we know it today, it has been the reason countless lives have been saved in freak accidents. For example, [3]a young construction worker who was helping to move a large sewer pipe with a pulley suffered a large cut to their forehead and intense pain in their back, leg and head when the rope snapped, sending the pulley crashing towards them. The heavy equipment came down on their head, but fortunately, the hard hat they were wearing at the time saved them from severe or even fatal injuries.
To put it into perspective, [4]reports from the U.S in 1970 showed that there were around 15,000 worker deaths. By 2016, that number had dropped to approximately 5200, scarily but powerfully highlighting the effectiveness of head protection.
Introducing The Future of Head Protection with The BIGBEN UltraLite
This is why you need to know about the BIGBEN UltraLite Vented Hi-Vis Height Safety Helmet. This top-of-the-line piece of equipment has several key features to ensure it delivers the ultimate protection for you and your team.
The UltraLite Safety Helmet meets both the EN12492 and EN397 Industrial Standards for superior shock absorption and penetration resistance. Its outer shell is made from high-density ABS plastic. Along with this and its top and side impact certification, you can rest knowing it’s not only the top of your head that’s protected but also the sides should an accident occur. Thanks to its advanced internal moulding technology, the force of impact is evenly distributed, preventing the build-up of pressure in one area, which minimises injury risk while maintaining the helmet’s strength.
Alongside its durability, this is the lightest height safety helmet on the market weighing only 417g, allowing you to work comfortable and efficiently, especially during long hours.
Where Comfort Meets Versatility
No two days are alike in dynamic industries like scaffolding and construction, where adaptability and efficiency are essential. That's why the BIGBEN helmet is designed with versatility in mind. Its convenient side slots allow the effortless attachment of hearing protection, while the four integrated clips allow you to easily secure a head torch or other accessories if needs be. On top of this, it’s replaceable quick-turn adjuster and fully adjustable 4-point chinstrap allows room for comfortability and security, giving you peace of mind no matter the job.
Feeling secure while on any site is a must when it comes to safety which is why the BIGBEN UltraLite Hi-Vis Safety Helmet comes with an in-built centre-fit adjustment system, which ensures centring and optimal stability of the helmet while fitted to the user’s head.
Vented Comfort and Protection
10 vents have been added onto the helmet to elevate comfort with the air intakes on the outer shell equipped with a protective aluminium grill that prevents any debris from entering the helmet. It should be noted that an unvented option is also available.
The padded internal harness not only offers adjustability but advanced comfort as it comes equipped with hot pressing technology. Alongside this, six smart hi-vis reflective stickers stylishly cover the out-shell of the helmet, enhancing your visibility in all environments.
And don’t worry, the BIGBEN Height Safety Helmet comes in a variety of colours so you can simply choose the one you prefer best or represent your brand by matching its colour palette.
Safety Without Compromise
Security, comfortability and adjustability are three key areas that we feel are critical in equipment to allow users to maximise their strengths and efforts while on any job in all environments. We believe the BIGBEN UltraLite Vented Hi-Vis Height Safety Helmet addresses these three areas with ease and precision, so you can focus on the job at hand without compromise.
Click here to view the BIGBEN UltraLite Vented Hi-Vis Height Safety Helmet.
[1] https://www.bullard.com/insights/history-of-the-hard-hat/#
[2] https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/sections/long-reads/from-flat-caps-to-hard-hats-the-150-year-journey-to-better-safety-29-06 2021/#:~:text=Notable%20standards%20include%201954's%20BS,the%20UK%20until%20March%201990.
[3] https://www.safetytrainingservices.net/sts-blog/safety-saves-lives-6-times-a-hard-hat-saved-someone-from-death
[4] https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2019/07/15/Hard-Hat-Saves-Lives-for-100-Years.aspx?Page=1
