New Virginia Tech Study Rates Safety Helmets

A new study of helmet safety includes construction helmets, according to a report on WFXR (above). Construction helmets were included for the first time in the ratings, released by the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, which previously included only sports helmets.

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According to the report, the ratings were developed by “analyzing information from falls in worksite environments.” The report suggests that shifting from a Type I helmet to Type II, which include energy-absorbing materials on the inside, reduces the risk of concussions from falls by 34% and the risk of skull fractures by 65%.

“Our findings show that choosing a Type II helmet can save lives,” Steve Rowson, the lab’s director, told WFXR. “The difference in protection during a fall is dramatic.”