--- title: Head and Brain Injury Page description: What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 hard hats? Type II safety helmets are the best protection against head injury from slips, trips, & falls. --- [![GoSafe, Inc.](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/1%20-%20Core%20Assets/Hubspot%20Header-Footer%20Rehost/gss-gosafe-logo.png)](https://www.gosafe.com) - [View Cart ![View Cart](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/1%20-%20Core%20Assets/Hubspot%20Header-Footer%20Rehost/T-Icons-03-Cart.png)](https://www.gosafe.com/ecommerce/shoppingcart.aspx) - [Order Status ![Oder Status](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/1%20-%20Core%20Assets/Hubspot%20Header-Footer%20Rehost/T-Icons-02-Status.png)](https://www.gosafe.com/ecommerce/CustomerOrderSearchDetail.aspx) - [Sign In ![sign in](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/1%20-%20Core%20Assets/Hubspot%20Header-Footer%20Rehost/T-Icons-01-Profile.png)](https://www.gosafe.com/ecommerce/customerloginform.aspx?RETURNURL=/ecommerce/customermyaccount.aspx) All Categories General PPE Safety Clothing Equipment Management Facility & Worksite Toggle navigation - Safety Gear - [General PPE](https://www.gosafe.com/ecommerce/category/general-ppe) - [Safety Clothing](https://www.gosafe.com/ecommerce/category/safety-clothing) - [Facility & Worksite](https://www.gosafe.com/ecommerce/category/facility-worksite) - [Specialty Items](https://www.gosafe.com/ecommerce/category/specialty-items) - Resources - - [Literature](https://offers.gosafe.com/gosafeliterature?hsLang=en) - [Safety Blog](https://blog.gosafe.com/?hsLang=en) - [Landing Pages](https://offers.gosafe.com/solutions/?hsLang=en) - [Safety FAQs](https://offers.gosafe.com/faqs?hsLang=en) - [Videos](https://link.edgepilot.com/s/8b580dd6/c0Cs3klaxEaAXDQJsfZOEg?u=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEByVXcWH8dyJzrCnOHGUFQ/videos) - [Hazard SChool](http://gosafehazardschool.com) - [Expert Zone](http://gosafeexpertzone.com) - [Programs & Services](https://offers.gosafe.com/programs-services?hsLang=en) - [National Account Services](https://offers.gosafe.com/programs-services?hsLang=en#corporate-services) - [Product Customization](https://offers.gosafe.com/programs-services?hsLang=en#customization) - [RX Eyewear Program](https://offers.gosafe.com/programs?hsLang=en) - [Equipment Rental](https://offers.gosafe.com/programs-services?hsLang=en#equipment-rental) - [Certified Inspection & Repair](https://offers.gosafe.com/programs-services?hsLang=en#repair-services) - [Instrumentation Program](https://offers.gosafe.com/programs-services?hsLang=en#instrumentation) - [FR Clothing Program](https://offers.gosafe.com/programs?hsLang=en) - [Boot & Shoe Program](https://offers.gosafe.com/programs?hsLang=en) - [VENDORS](https://www.gosafe.com/ecommerce/category/preferred-vendors) - [Contact Us](https://www.gosafe.com/ecommerce/catalogcontactus.aspx) ![HeadProtection-Hero](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/20-Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/HeadProtection-Hero.jpg "HeadProtection-Hero") # UNDERSTANDING HEAD PROTECTION Hard Hats and Safety Helmets are essential on pretty much any worksite, but not all of them are equal. Here are some key standards and features to consider when choosing head protection. ![t2-01-Type1](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/t2-01-Type1.jpg "t2-01-Type1")   Type 1 protects against straight-down heavy impacts and punctures to the top of the head generally achieved with suspension systems. ![GS-Type2Helmet-C1-1](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/GS-Type2Helmet-C1-1.jpg "GS-Type2Helmet-C1-1") ![t2-02-Type2](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/t2-02-Type2.jpg "t2-02-Type2")   Type 2 Extends that impact protection around the entire head for side and lateral protection. This can be through a standard EPS foam shield or the lightweight, high-impact absorbing Koroyd shell. ![GS-Type2Helmet-C2-1](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/GS-Type2Helmet-C2-1.jpg "GS-Type2Helmet-C2-1") ![t2-03-ChinStrap-2](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/20-Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/t2-03-ChinStrap-2.jpg "t2-03-ChinStrap-2")   Generally one of the defining factors of a Safety Helmet, Chin Straps prevent loss of head protection during a fall. The best PPE in the world is worthless if it doesn’t stay on. ![GS-Type2Helmet-C3-1](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/GS-Type2Helmet-C3-1.jpg "GS-Type2Helmet-C3-1") ![t2-04-MIPS](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/t2-04-MIPS.jpg "t2-04-MIPS")     Mips (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) absorbs rotational force by allowing the helmet to rotate around the skull, critical in preventing brain damage from twisting. ![GS-Type2Helmet-C4-1](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/GS-Type2Helmet-C4-1.jpg "GS-Type2Helmet-C4-1") ![t2-05-Koroyd](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/20-Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/t2-05-Koroyd.jpg "t2-05-Koroyd")   Koroyd offers superior impact protection and ventilation with a super lightweight hollow core shield that absorbs more impact with minimal rebound compared to standard EPS foam shells that harden when compressed. ![GS-Type2Helmet-C4B](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/20-Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/GS-Type2Helmet-C4B.jpg "GS-Type2Helmet-C4B") ## On the EN12492 European Standard... You also may have heard of the EN12492 European Standard. European standards are not ANSI certified and thus do not apply. In addition, the European standard tests scenarios from the perspective of objects falling on a rock climber, not a falling worker’s head impacting on the ground. As such, Side impact tests are less strenuous in the European standard, whereas Type 2 extends the same protection all around the head. --- ## HEAD PROTECTION VS BRAIN PROTECTION ![AdobeStock_322102194-2](https://offers.gosafe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_322102194-2.png?width=340&height=252&name=AdobeStock_322102194-2.png "AdobeStock_322102194-2") ### The brain is one of the softest and most sensitive tissues in the body, with a similar consistency to jello. This might sound amusing, but throughout this jiggly mass is a complex network of nerves and neurons that control everything from motor skills, coordination, and sensory awareness to memory, emotion, and speech. ### All of this boils down to one fact: of all the dangers that should be prevented, head and brain injury is one of the deadliest and most costly to worker and employer alike. --- ## Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in the U.S. Construction Industry ## 24% #### of all workplace TBI cases were in construction ## 57% #### of construction TBI cases were from falls ## 276 #### avg. deaths/year ## 52% #### of all TBI survivors experience decline or death within 5 years --- ![Impact-01-Linear](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/Impact-01-Linear.jpg "Impact-01-Linear") ## LINEAR IMPACT Most hard hats are designed to protect against linear impacts, with Type 1 protecting the top of the head, and Type 2 extending protection to the sides. Linear impacts are most responsible for skull fractures and, in rare cases, can also cause concussions from compression, stretching, and shearing of the brain. All that said, linear impacts are very rare. After all, real accidents don’t happen in a lab, and gravity doesn’t care where or how your head hits the ground. The vast majority of head injuries are caused by angled impacts that create rotational force. ![Impact-01-Rotational](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/Impact-01-Rotational.jpg "Impact-01-Rotational") ## ROTATIONAL FORCE To illustrate the dangers of rotational force, imagine a washing machine: it cleans your clothes by spinning and agitating the fabric to remove contaminants. Rotational force can do the same thing to your brain. As the head impacts the ground at an angle, your soft brain matter will continue to move or rotate in whatever direction your skull was just before impact. Depending on the speed, area, and angle of impact, this agitation will ripple throughout the brain, shearing the axons that connect white and gray brain matter and even damaging connections between different parts of the brain: both common results of a concussion. --- ![2 Screen Shot 2023-05-11 at 4.22.07 PM](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/2%20Screen%20Shot%202023-05-11%20at%204.22.07%20PM.png "2 Screen Shot 2023-05-11 at 4.22.07 PM") ## THE SCIENCE OF HEAD INJURY CONCUSSIONS AND TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES ARE COMMONLY THE RESULT OF ROTATIONAL FORCE AND STRAIN TO THE BRAIN. Injury statistics demonstrate that when someone trips on a level surface, they are more likely to fall at an angle instead of directly on top of the head. This is due to the forward energy of motion that may extend to the head when hitting the hard ground surface. Over the past few years, science has shown that our brains are very sensitive to rotational forces IN THIS SCENARIO, CONVENTIONAL HARD HATS WITHOUT A CHIN STRAP WOULD LIKELY FLY OFF. A CHIN STRAP HELPS, BUT IS IT ENOUGH? ## INTRODUCING MIPS® TECHNOLOGY A LOW FRICTION LAYER TO HELP REDUCE THE SEVERITY OF HEAD INJURIES - At impact the Mips® Safety System is designed to help reduce the amount of rotational force transferred to the head by redirecting the forces that are generated by the impact. - The Mips® Safety System allows for a 10-15 mm relative movement between the helmet and the head during the critical first 5-10ms of the impact. - It is not uncommon that the point load on the head/helmet at impact is at 2,200 lbs. – The Mips® Safety System is designed to allow the helmet to move even under this kind of pressure. ![PIP-MIPS](https://offers.gosafe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/20-Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/PIP-MIPS.jpg?width=300&height=334&name=PIP-MIPS.jpg "PIP-MIPS") --- ## ABSORB IMPACT & STAY COOL WITH KOROYD A HOLLOW CORE SHIELD FOR MAXIMUM VENTILATION & IMPACT ABSORPTION Most safety helmets use standard EPS foam as a blunt-force shield against impact. This, however, has significant drawbacks when it comes to impact protection. Rather than absorbing impact evenly, traditional materials stiffen as they compress, and solidify at up to 60% of their thickness, directly transferring the remaining forces to the head and brain instead of protecting it. By contrast, Koroyd's sacrificial array of hollow tubes can use up to 78% of the material’s thickness for maximum energy absorption, taking the brunt of the force,without hardening or rebounding. In addition, absorbing more impact also reduces rotational forces, as there is less force transferred throughout the impact. ## FULLY VENTILATED, LIGHTWEIGHT PROTECTION Another big benefit of the lightweight design is superior ventilation. Unlike ABS foam shells which insulate the head, Koroyd's hollow core tubes allow air to pass through, greatly increasing ventilation and **reducing interior helmet temperatures by up to 8°F.** In addition, the helmet becomes significantly lighter, reducing the discomfort and fatigue that comes from heavy helmets and reducing the chances of workers taking them off on the job. All these benefits combine make for one of the most comfortable, heat-conscious, and protective safety helmet technologies available. ## ULTRALIGHT. PROTECTIVE. BREATHABLE. ![direct-impact-animated](https://offers.gosafe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/20-Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/direct-impact-animated.gif?width=190&height=190&name=direct-impact-animated.gif "direct-impact-animated") ### THE ULTIMATE DAMAGE CONTROL SYSTEM Koroyd’s welded tubes crumple instantly and consistently on impact, absorbing maximum force in a controlled manner, minimizing energy transferred to your head. ![angled-impact-animated](https://offers.gosafe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/20-Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/angled-impact-animated.gif?width=190&height=190&name=angled-impact-animated.gif "angled-impact-animated") ## DIRECT AND ANGLED IMPACT PROTECTION This unique behaviour helps to protect your skull and brain from direct and angled impacts which may reduce the risk of suffering a life-changing injury. ![airflow-animated](https://offers.gosafe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/20-Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/airflow-animated.gif?width=190&height=190&name=airflow-animated.gif "airflow-animated") ## ULTRA BREATHABLE FOR MAX COOLING Air flows consistently through the open-cells, whilst hot air from your head can easily escape, ensuring more efficient cooling in the most intense conditions. ![ultralight-animated](https://offers.gosafe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/20-Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/ultralight-animated.gif?width=190&height=190&name=ultralight-animated.gif "ultralight-animated") ## PROTECTION NEVER FELT SO LIGHT Koroyd features the world’s thinnest walled tubes, resulting in a structure which is 95% air for lightweight comfort without compromising on safety. --- To ensure the highest level of protection on the market, a Type 2 safety helmet with Mips or Koroyd is your best choice to provide secure, 360 degree protection against linear, angular, and rotational impact, with Koroyd offering increased impact absorption and heat stress prevention. ![HardHat-Protection-01](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/20-Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/HardHat-Protection-01.png "HardHat-Protection-01") [![PIP-Traverse-Safety-Helmet2](https://offers.gosafe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/20-Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/PIP-Traverse-Safety-Helmet2.jpg?width=220&height=300&name=PIP-Traverse-Safety-Helmet2.jpg "PIP-Traverse-Safety-Helmet2")](https://www.gosafe.com/ECommerce/CatalogSearch.aspx?SearchStr=PIP280HP149#p-1) ## [PIP Traverse™ Safety Helmet With Mips®](https://www.gosafe.com/ECommerce/CatalogSearch.aspx?SearchStr=PIP280HP149#p-1) OR ![HardHat-Protection-02](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/20-Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/HardHat-Protection-02.jpg "HardHat-Protection-02") [![GH400GN-600](https://offers.gosafe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/20-Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/GH400GN-600.jpg?width=220&height=250&name=GH400GN-600.jpg "GH400GN-600")](https://www.gosafe.com/ECommerce/CatalogSearch.aspx?SearchStr=GE%20GH500&SCID=-1&sescf=True#p-1) ## [GE GH500 Safety Helmet With Koroyd](https://www.gosafe.com/ECommerce/CatalogSearch.aspx?SearchStr=GE%20GH500&SCID=-1&sescf=True#p-1) --- # WHEN DO YOU NEED TYPE 2 PROTECTION? Because Type 1 hard hats fail to protect side impacts, they are inadequate for the majority of industrial and construction applications. Even if one or more of these are not present, slips, trips, and falls alone still rank as the primary cause of head injury, making Type 2 the bare minimum for a proactive safety program, with Mips or Koroyd being highly recommended, especially for work at height. ![Hazard-01-f](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/20-Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/Hazard-01-f.jpg "Hazard-01-f") ![Hazard-02-f](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/20-Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/Hazard-02-f.jpg "Hazard-02-f") ![Hazard-03-f](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/20-Type%202%20Hard%20Hats/Hazard-03-f.jpg "Hazard-03-f") [![New call-to-action](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/2816956/e1284fbe-84e1-486b-9bc4-2626eea4bf25.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/2816956/e1284fbe-84e1-486b-9bc4-2626eea4bf25) [![See Type 2 Safety Helmets](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/2816956/8068fdc5-e80c-4d1a-91eb-ddce421e85de.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/2816956/8068fdc5-e80c-4d1a-91eb-ddce421e85de) --- **goSafe's Blog Articles on Head Protection** - [The Head Protection Revolution: Understanding the Shift from Traditional Hard Hats to Modern Safety Helmets](https://blog.gosafe.com/the-head-protection-revolution-understanding-the-shift-from-traditional-hard-hats-to-modern-safety-helmets?hsLang=en) - [Type I vs. Type II: Decoding ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 for Multi-Directional Impact Protection](https://blog.gosafe.com/type-i-vs.-type-ii-decoding-ansi/isea-z89.1-for-multi-directional-impact-protection?hsLang=en) - [The Role of Bump Caps: Misuse, Limitations, and When They are Truly Appropriate](https://blog.gosafe.com/the-role-of-bump-caps-misuse-limitations-and-when-they-are-truly-appropriate?hsLang=en) - [Head Protection Accessory Integration: Maintaining Compliance with Face Shields and Attachments](https://blog.gosafe.com/head-protection-accessory-integration-maintaining-compliance-with-face-shields-and-attachments?hsLang=en) - [Proper Fit, Inspection, and Service Life: Maximizing the Performance of Head and Face PPE](https://blog.gosafe.com/proper-fit-inspection-and-service-life-maximizing-the-performance-of-head-and-face-ppe?hsLang=en) - [Welding Helmet Technology: ADF's, True Color, and PAPR's](https://blog.gosafe.com/welding-helmet-technology-adfs-true-color-and-paprs?hsLang=en) - [Assessing Workplace Hazards: How to Select the Right Head and Face PPE (Electrical, Arc Flash, Heat)](https://blog.gosafe.com/assessing-workplace-hazards-how-to-select-the-right-head-and-face-ppe-electrical-arc-flash-heat?hsLang=en) Copyright © 2026 - All Rights Reserved - gosafe.com [![“goSafe](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/1%20-%20Core%20Assets/Hubspot%20Header-Footer%20Rehost/gss-social-twit-w.png)](https://twitter.com/gosafeSupply) [![“goSafe](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/1%20-%20Core%20Assets/Hubspot%20Header-Footer%20Rehost/gss-social-insta-w.png)](https://www.instagram.com/gosafesupply/) [![“goSafe](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/1%20-%20Core%20Assets/Hubspot%20Header-Footer%20Rehost/gss-social-linked-w.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/gosafesupply) [![“goSafe](https://offers.gosafe.com/hubfs/1%20-%20Core%20Assets/Hubspot%20Header-Footer%20Rehost/gss-social-fb-w.png)](https://www.facebook.com/gosafesupply) ![](https://px.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=7132004&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://2816956.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hubfs/2816956/video_assets/393105128147/inherited/web_optimized.mp4", "dateModified" : "2026-09-08T17:59:53.325Z", "duration" : "PT22S", "height" : 700, "name" : "KOROYD-PromoS", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://api-na2.hubspot.com/filemanager/api/v3/files/thumbnail-redirect/393105128147?portalId=2816956&size=medium", "uploadDate" : "2026-09-08T17:59:50.885Z", "width" : 1000 } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://2816956.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hubfs/2816956/video_assets/393479280374/inherited/web_optimized.mp4", "dateModified" : "2026-09-09T13:23:13.547Z", "duration" : "PT2S", "height" : 700, "name" : "KoroydVent", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://api-na2.hubspot.com/filemanager/api/v3/files/thumbnail-redirect/393479280374?portalId=2816956&size=medium", "uploadDate" : "2026-09-09T13:23:11.891Z", "width" : 1000 } ```