Head Protection — Hard Hats, Safety Helmets, Bump Caps

How is this head protection shelf organized?

Short answer: 89 listings from twenty vendors in three families — 47 traditional hard hats, 34 modern safety helmets and 8 bump caps. The format decision comes first (hard hats vs safety helmets vs bump caps), then impact type and electrical class (Type 1 vs Type 2), then trade fit (construction, electrical). Sub-shelves: cap style, full brim, safety helmets, bump caps.

Editor's pick — MSA V-Gard family
The most-fielded hard hat shell in North America — this shelf carries thirteen MSA listings across V-Gard caps and the H1/H2 helmet lines. Read the full listing.

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Formats on this shelf

Format	Count	What it is for
Hard hats (cap and full brim)	%d	Falling-object impact under ANSI Z89.1 Type/Class markings stated per listing
Safety helmets (climbing style)	%d	Chin-strap retention, often Type 2 side-impact ratings — per listing
Bump caps	%d	Scrape/bump comfort only — categorically NOT ANSI-rated impact protection

What do the ANSI markings actually say?

This page repeats only what each listing states — and the honest count is that 66 of the 89 listings state an ANSI Z89.1 Type or Class marking in their titles or tags, while 23 state none. The unstated group includes all eight bump caps (which are categorically outside Z89.1) and fifteen hard hats and helmets whose records simply do not print a marking — several MSA H1/H2 and Pyramex Ridgeline records among them. For those, verify the ANSI stamp on the shell or the manufacturer datasheet before relying on a rating; an earlier version of this page claimed every item met Z89.1, and that blanket claim is gone. One data error is disclosed outright: an Ergodyne bump cap titled "Not a Hard Hat" carries an ANSI Z89.1 tag in its record — trust the title, not the tag.

Every listing on this shelf

Availability notes

The Milwaukee BOLT Impact-Armor-liner helmet record is currently dead (no price, unavailable) and marked above; the Gateway Serpent helmet sells in seven of its nine colors (Blue and Green variants currently unavailable). Suspensions, sweatbands and chin straps live on hard hat accessories.

Our methodology

We pulled all 89 live records, split them by their own product types, and counted ANSI Z89.1 markings exactly as stated per listing — 66 stated, 23 not — instead of repeating the blanket compliance claim the earlier copy made. Head-protection duties come from OSHA 29 CFR 1910.135, which incorporates ANSI/ISEA Z89.1, with traumatic-injury context from NIOSH. We do not impact-test helmets and hold no safety certification; every Type/Class statement on this page repeats a listing’s own stated marking.

Why trust this page

WC Safety is an independent review site with no products of its own — nothing here is stocked, warehoused or shipped by us. Purchase links go to Amazon and earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you; no manufacturer pays for placement, which is why this page states plainly which listings do NOT document a standard instead of claiming blanket compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this page no longer say everything meets ANSI Z89.1?

Because 23 of 89 listings state no marking — including all bump caps, which are outside the standard by design. Where a listing states Type 1, Type 2, Class C, G or E, this page repeats it; where it states nothing, we say so and point you at the shell stamp.

Hard hat or safety helmet — is one safer?

Neither category is inherently safer; the stated Type governs. Climbing-style safety helmets add chin-strap retention and frequently Type 2 side-impact ratings, which is why towers and rescue crews standardize on them — but a Type 2 hard hat and a Type 2 helmet meet the same test. Compare per listing, not per silhouette.

What standard should hard hats meet?

Look for certification to ANSI/ISEA Z89.1. That standard sets Type I for top impact, Type II for top and lateral impact, and electrical classes G, E, and C.

What is the difference between Type I and Type II hard hats?

Type I guards against blows landing on the crown of the head. Type II goes further, adding protection from lateral, off-center hits coming in from the side.

What do the electrical classes mean?

General Class G is tested to 2,200 volts, electrical Class E to 20,000 volts, and conductive Class C provides no electrical protection at all.

How should a hard hat fit?

Set the suspension so the shell sits off your head with proper clearance. Tighten the headband level and snug, letting the hat stay put and absorb an impact correctly.

When should I replace a hard hat?

Retire it after any impact, or when the shell turns cracked, faded, or chalky. A common schedule is roughly 5 years for the shell and 1 year for the suspension.

Can I wear a hard hat backward?

Reverse it only when an arrow symbol marks it for reverse donning. Without that marking, the suspension faces the wrong way and cannot protect you as intended.

Can I attach accessories to a hard hat?

Pair slotted models with compatible earmuffs, face shields, and lamps. Steer clear of unapproved changes like drilling holes, which can void the safety rating.

Do hard hats expire?

Yes, since UV exposure and daily wear degrade the shell over time. Read the date stamp inside and replace the hat on schedule even when no damage shows.

What is the difference between a hard hat and a bump cap?

Bump caps cover only minor bumps and scrapes against fixed objects. Unlike a hard hat, they carry no ANSI Z89.1 rating for falling-object impact.

How do I clean and store a hard hat?

Use mild soap and water for washing, store it out of direct sunlight and off rear-window decks, and inspect both shell and suspension before every use.

Browse by category: Hard Hat Accessories

Related Safety Gear & Guides

Standards & references
Selection guidance on this page is mapped to these primary sources:

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.135 — Head Protection

Cited for reference only. Standards text is not a substitute for a written program, a hazard assessment, or evaluation by a qualified safety professional.

Researched and written by Steven Eaton, editor of WC Safety. Steven holds no safety certification and does not test products; this page compares what manufacturers publish, with the gaps in that record marked. Last reviewed July 2026.

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MSA V-Gard H2 safety helmet integrated 4-point chinstrap and ratchet suspension

MSA V-Gard H2 10250593 full brim Type II Class E non-vented safety helmet, white

MSA V-Gard H2 Full Brim Safety Helmet — Type II Class E, Integrated Chinstrap (10250593)

MSA

$74.48 - $111.50

$74.48

EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.7/5 WC Safety Review — the MSA V-Gard H2 Full Brim Safety Helmet Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, ba...

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MSA V-Gard H2 full brim safety helmet with MIPS

MSA

$85.77 - $135.87

$85.77

EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.7/5 WC Safety Review — the MSA V-Gard H2 full brim safety helmet with MIPS Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety ...

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MSA V-Gard H2 Pro interior MIPS rotational-impact liner and Fas-Trac III ratchet

MSA V-Gard H2 Pro white non-vented safety helmet with MIPS and Fas-Trac III, ANSI Type II Class E

MSA V-Gard H2 Pro Safety Helmet with Fas-Trac III and MIPS — Non-Vented, Type II, Class E

MSA

$63.71 - $148.42

$63.71

EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.7/5 WC Safety Review — the MSA V-Gard H2 Pro Safety Helmet with Fas-Trac III and MIPS Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton,...

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MSA V-Gard H1 helmet interior Fas-Trac III pivot ratchet suspension and non-contact foam liner

MSA V-Gard H1 blue non-vented safety helmet with Fas-Trac III suspension, ANSI Type I Class E

MSA V-Gard H1 Safety Helmet with Fas-Trac III Suspension — Non-Vented, Type I, Class E

MSA

$106.41 - $133.99

$106.41

EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.6/5 WC Safety Review — the MSA V-Gard H1 Safety Helmet with Fas-Trac III Suspension Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, W...

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Pyramex HP50041 — Pyramex HP500 Baseball Bump Cap

Pyramex HP500 Vented Baseball Bump Cap — 2-in-1 Cap & PE Insert

Pyramex

$13.52 - $21.99

$13.52

EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.4/5 — WC Safety Review of the Pyramex HP500, a vented 2-in-1 baseball bump cap. Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safe...

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Pyramex HP14035 — Pyramex SL Series Hard Hat 4-Point Snap Lock HDPE

Pyramex SL Series Hard Hat — 4-Point Snap-Lock HDPE Cap, Type 1, Low-Profile

Pyramex

$7.88 - $17.37

$7.88

The Pyramex SL Series Hard Hat is a low-profile, value cap-style hard hat — an HDPE shell on a 4-point snap-lock suspension, meeting ANSI Z89....

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Pyramex HP46141 — Pyramex Ridgeline Cap Style Hard Hat 6-Point Ratchet

Pyramex Ridgeline Cap Style Hard Hat 6-Point Ratchet — ABS, Type I

Pyramex

$10.00 - $23.20

$10.00

The Pyramex Ridgeline Cap Style Hard Hat 6-Point Ratchet (part number HP46141) is a lightweight ABS cap-style helmet meeting ANSI Z89.1-2009 T...

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Pyramex Ridgeline XR7 safety helmet 6-point ratchet and 4-point breakaway chin strap

Pyramex Ridgeline XR7 Safety Helmet — Type 1 Class E, 6-Point Ratchet (HP76140)

Pyramex

$49.95 - $60.27

$49.95

EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — the Pyramex Ridgeline XR7 Safety Helmet Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, base...

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Klein Tools 60345 — Klein Tools KARBN Pattern Non-Vented Full Brim Hard Hat Class E

Klein Tools KARBN Pattern Non-Vented Full Brim Hard Hat — Type 1, Class E, 20kV (60345)

Klein Tools

$59.99 - $131.02

$59.99

EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.3/5 WC Safety Review — the Klein Tools KARBN Pattern Non-Vented Full Brim Hard Hat Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC...

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Klein Tools 60564 safety helmet 6-point ratchet suspension and removable chin strap

Klein Tools Type 2 Class E Safety Helmet — Non-Vented, 20kV (60564)

Klein Tools

$89.99 - $109.99

$89.99

EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.7/5 WC Safety Review — the Klein Tools Type 2 Class E Safety Helmet Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor,...

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Milwaukee 48-73-1330 BOLT black vented safety helmet ratchet suspension

Milwaukee BOLT Black Vented Safety Helmet, Type 2 Class C (48-73-1330)

Milwaukee

$111.04 - $111.04

$111.04

$111.04 - $111.04

$111.04

EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — the Milwaukee BOLT black vented safety helmet Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor...

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Milwaukee BOLT White Vented Safety Helmet, Type 2 Class C (48-73-1300)

Milwaukee

$99.97 - $99.97

$99.97

$99.97 - $99.97

$99.97

EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — the Milwaukee BOLT white vented safety helmet Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor...

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3M X5003V-ANSI — 3M SecureFit Safety Helmet X5000 Series — ANSI Z89.1, Multiple Colors

3M SecureFit X5000 Series X5003V-ANSI vented climbing-style safety helmet blue

3M SecureFit X5000 Series safety helmet

$83.94 - $167.78

$83.94

EDITORIAL REVIEW: 3.9/5 WC Safety Review — the 3M SecureFit X5000 Series safety helmet Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, ...

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MSA C217091 — MSA Super-V Type 2 Cap Style Safety Hard Hat — Blue

MSA Super-V Type 2 cap style hard hat MSA

MSA Super-V Type 2 Cap Style Hard Hat — Type II, Class E, Cap-Style

MSA

$50.29 - $56.93

$50.29

EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — MSA Super-V Type 2 cap style hard hat (Type II, Class E) Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Sa...

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MSA 475407 — MSA Skullgard Full-Brim Hard Hat — White

MSA 475407 — MSA Skullgard full-brim hard hat MSA

MSA Skullgard Full-Brim Hard Hat — Type II, Class E High-Heat Phenolic

MSA

$131.67 - $185.83

$131.67

EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — MSA Skullgard Full-Brim Hard Hat Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, based on pu...

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Ergodyne 8963-WH — Ergodyne Skullerz 8963 Full Brim — White

$17.79 - $18.39

$17.79

The Ergodyne Skullerz 8969 Full Brim Hard Hat is a non-vented, Type 1 Class E full-brim in lightweight HDPE — rated to 20,000 volts for electr...

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Ergodyne 8968-WH — Ergodyne Skullerz 8968 Vented Full Brim Hard Hat

Ergodyne Skullerz 8968 Vented Full Brim Hard Hat — Type 1 Class C, Washable Sweatband

Ergodyne

$21.99 - $21.99

$21.99

$21.99 - $21.99

$21.99

The Ergodyne Skullerz 8968 Vented Full Brim Hard Hat takes the lightweight HDPE shell and 6-point pivoting suspension of the Skullerz range an...

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Ergodyne 8967-WH — Ergodyne Skullerz 8967 Cap-Style Hard Hat

Ergodyne Skullerz 8967 Cap-Style Hard Hat — Type I, Class E, Non-Vented

Ergodyne

$18.39 - $18.39

$18.39

$18.39 - $18.39

$18.39

The Ergodyne Skullerz 8967 Cap-Style Hard Hat is the non-vented, Class E version of the lightweight Skullerz cap style: an HDPE shell around 1...

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Ergodyne 8966-WH — Ergodyne Skullerz 8966 Vented Cap-Style Hard Hat

Ergodyne Skullerz 8966 Vented Cap-Style Hard Hat — Type 1 Class C, 6-Point

Ergodyne

$18.79 - $21.99

$18.79

The Ergodyne Skullerz 8966 Vented Cap-Style Hard Hat is the lightweight, hot-weather option in the Skullerz range: an HDPE shell around 15% li...

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3M SecureFit X5012VX-ANSI vented safety helmet side vents detail

3M SecureFit X5012VX-ANSI black vented Scotchlite safety helmet, ANSI Type 1 Class C brimless

3M SecureFit X5012VX-ANSI Safety Helmet — Black Vented, Scotchlite, Type 1 Class C

$95.76 - $95.76

$95.76

$95.76 - $95.76

$95.76

EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.6/5 WC Safety Review — the 3M SecureFit X5012VX-ANSI Safety Helmet Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, ...

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3M SecureFit X5007-ANSI Orange Safety Helmet 6-Point Class E

$125.88 - $125.88

$125.88

$125.88 - $125.88

$125.88

The 3M SecureFit X5007-ANSI Orange Safety Helmet provides ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type I Class E certified head protection with 6-point pressure diffusion ...

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3M SecureFit X5005X-ANSI red Scotchlite non-vented safety helmet, ANSI Type 1 Class E

3M SecureFit X5005X-ANSI Safety Helmet — Red Scotchlite, Non-Vented, Type 1, Class E

$128.59 - $128.59

$128.59

$128.59 - $128.59

$128.59

EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.7/5 WC Safety Review — the 3M SecureFit X5005X-ANSI Safety Helmet Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, b...

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3M SecureFit X5001V ANSI White Vented Safety Helmet 6-Point

$102.07 - $102.07

$102.07

$102.07 - $102.07

$102.07

The 3M SecureFit X5001VANSI White Vented Safety Helmet provides ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type I certified head protection with 6-point pressure diffusion se...

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3M H-810V Navy Full Brim Vented Hard Hat ANSI Z89.1

$23.64 - $23.64

$23.64

$23.64 - $23.64

$23.64

The 3M H-810V Navy Blue Full Brim Vented Hard Hat provides ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type I certified head protection with full 360-degree brim and ventilate...

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