New Helmet Research ID's Life-Saving Changes

Virginia Tech’s Helmet Lab has released a first-of-its-kind rating system for construction hard hats and helmets similar to rankings used for sport helmets.
The findings released this week show that Type II helmets — or those with interior energy-absorbing materials and protection for the top and sides of the head — better protect workers from severe injury.
Results show the shift to Type II reduces risk, on average, by 34% for fall-related concussion and by 65% for skull fracture.
The research, which began in 2024 with funding from industry partners, simulated real-world collisions in an attempt to accurately assess how a helmet or hard hat protects a worker.
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A Florida roofing contractor facing a $752,000 OSHA fine for multiple violations is speaking out about enhanced safety procedures following a serious injury on a jobsite in March.
Eric Grengs, president of Jacksonville, Florida-based Elo Restoration, said safety is a daily priority for all their workers and that OSHA’s recent citations don’t provide the full picture.
“We are committed to protecting our employees, customers, and the communities we serve,” Grengs said in a written statement to RC. “We are aware of the citations recently issued by OSHA and are reviewing them carefully with our legal and safety teams. While we respect OSHA’s role, we do not agree with all of the findings and intend to exercise our rights through the appropriate review and appeals process.”
Earlier this month, OSHA levied more than $752,000 in fines for 10 safety violations – including willfully exposing workers to fall hazards.
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The Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ) and OSHA’s Region II office have signed a two-year agreement for a safety alliance, the latest in a series of collaborations between ACCNJ and OSHA, dating back to 2014.
ACCNJ and OSHA both share fundamental goals of curtailing injury, illness and hazards in the workplace. To achieve these goals, the partnership will focus on education and prevention.
The latest collaboration is expected to include efforts promoting awareness of worker mental health challenges and providing resources for effective training with ACCNJ-based organized building trade unions and councils to encourage worker participation in training.
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The Maryland Electrical Contractor and Inspection Association said it has joined the National Fire Protection Association, seeking to strengthen collaboration on electrical safety, code adoption, and professional standards in the state.
Maryland officials and association leaders say the move will speed adoption of updated NFPA standards, improve inspection practices, and enhance training for contractors across the state.
The state recently adopted the 2024 editions of the national group’s Fire Prevention and Life Safety Codes.
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