Two firms to develop prototype construction helmet aimed at reducing brain injuries

Image: Mips

Global PPE manufacturer MSA Safety is to partner with Sweden-based helmet safety company Mips to develop a new prototype construction helmet.

Mips produces low-friction layer safety systems designed to integrate into different types of construction helmet to protect workers against rotational impacts.

Announcing the partnership, Mips pointed to a 2015 study showing that during a 10-year period, an estimated 586,600 work-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) were reported in the United States. Construction in the US has the highest number of fatal and non-fatal workplace-related TBIs out of any industry.

It added that while most traditional industrial helmets are designed only to withstand the force of linear impacts, such as impacts to the top of the head. But real-life accidents often involve rotational motion.

MSA and Mips said they were in the process of developing a prototype together, which will be available to viewers at the NSC Safety Congress & Expo 2023, 23-25 October, in New Orleans.

Rob Willis, global product group director for industrial PPE at MSA said, “MSA is excited to partner with Mips to help improve worker safety with OSHA’s number one cited workplace injury, slips trips and falls. We plan to introduce this technology in our new climbing-style helmet product line launching in 2024 in specific geographic regions.”