Over the last few years, the jobsite’s been buzzing with rumors—hardhat standards were due for a shake-up.  ANSI has revamped the standard to include the Type 2 helmet—think European-style protection with built-in impact resistance from all angles. In this blog, we’re cutting through the noise and breaking down the key differences so you understand and know why it matters.

🪖 TYPE 1 VS TYPE 2 HARD HATS: WHY SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION MATTERS—AND WHY IT JUST GOT REAL

Safety gear isn't built for boardrooms— it's built for battlefields made of steel, concrete, and chaos. Your hard hat isn’t just a compliance checkbox. It’s your dome’s defense system. And with the latest ANSI updates, Type 2 helmets just became the frontline standard.

For years, the jobsite’s been buzzing—rumors that hardhat standards were getting a facelift. Now it’s official: ANSI has stepped up with revamped guidelines pushing Type 2 helmets into the spotlight. Think Euro-style protection with all-angle impact resistance built for the trades that don’t stand still.

💥 TYPE 1: BASIC HEAD COVERAGE

Protection Zone: Top of the head only
Job Fit: Vertical hazards like overhead tools, drop zones
Compliant With: ANSI Z89.1 standard
Classes Available:
• Class G (2,200 volts)
• Class E (20,000 volts)
• Class C (no electrical protection)

It’s minimal. It meets code. But it stops short where real-world risks begin.

🔒 TYPE 2: FULL-SURROUND PROTECTION—NOW THE ANSI STANDARD

Protection Zone: Top, front, back, and sides
Job Fit: Confined spaces, elevated platforms, lateral movement
Features:
• Multi-angle impact absorption
• Off-center penetration resistance
• Optional chinstrap retention (because what good is your hard hat midair?)
• Advanced suspension systems, extra padding, and Mips®-like tech in premium models
• Same electrical class options as Type 1

This isn’t about style—it’s about survival. Your crew faces unpredictable threats, not just overhead hazards. So Type 2 isn’t just better—it’s essential. And now, it's the new bar set by ANSI.

⚠️ DON’T JUST MEET STANDARDS—EXCEED THEM WITH SAFE OR DIE GEAR

Anyone can check a box. We check conditions, behaviors, and worst-case scenarios—and we build gear for when everything hits the fan. That’s why Safe or Die Gear backs Type 2 head protection that’s OSHA-compliant, ANSI-certified, and unapologetically overbuilt.