In Maryland, a contracting company, in partnership with a nonprofit organization and the University of North Carolina, is implementing a project aimed at improving head protection for construction workers. Comer Construction, based in Forest Hill and specializing in residential and commercial construction, is participating in a pilot program to assess the practical aspects, effectiveness, and feasibility of introducing Type II helmets on active construction sites. This initiative became possible thanks to a grant provided by the University of North Carolina’s Construction Safety Institute.

Program Goals and Objectives

The main objective of the program is to identify ways to transition from traditional hard hats to Type II helmets, which offer a higher level of head protection for workers. Type II helmets are equipped with a chin strap and are designed to protect against falls and impacts to both the top and sides of the head. In contrast, Type I helmets only protect the top of the head and do not have a strap. Research from Virginia Tech has shown that Type II helmets are more effective at preventing serious injuries.

History and Funding of the Initiative

JSI, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 2014 by the leadership of Builders Mutual Insurance from North Carolina to provide companies with tools to improve worker safety. Since its inception, JSI has allocated $1.13 million in grants for research and educational programs aimed at addressing safety issues in the construction industry. The grant to the University of North Carolina continues to fund research into personal protective equipment for construction workers, including studies on workers’ awareness of the differences between helmet types.

Implementation Challenges and Worker Perception

Studies have shown that most workers are unaware of the differences between Type I and Type II helmets. However, after being informed about the advantages of Type II helmets, particularly their superior brain protection, workers expressed a willingness to switch to the new type of protective gear. One of the main obstacles remains the cost: traditional helmets cost about $15, while Type II helmets often exceed $100 each.

Industry Impact and Outlook

According to data, around 200 construction workers die each year in the U.S. from traumatic brain injuries. Type II helmets are already widely used in commercial construction, but their adoption in the residential sector is just beginning. Industry representatives note that improving safety justifies the additional expenses for new helmets, despite their higher cost.

Next Steps

Program participants hope that this partnership will help bridge the gap between different sectors of the construction industry and serve as a model for a successful transition to more effective personal protective equipment. The goal of the initiative is to ensure access to modern protective helmets even for small companies with limited resources, thereby raising the overall level of safety on construction sites.