Thanks to advances in safety, the hard hat has evolved over the decades. There have been many improvements in the last decade, but the story began almost 100 years ago.
The “Hard-Boiled Hat,” patented in 1919, was so called because of the steam used in the manufacturing process. The original “Hard-Boiled Hat” was manufactured of steamed canvas, glue and black paint. North America’s first application was the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge construction site. This workplace had a problem with falling rivets, so it is understandable that head protection became necessary.
We have now evolved from those days of primitive materials and no standards to having 21st Century design and materials and an organization like ANSI helps to bring us to the next level.
When selecting head protection equipment, it’s important to choose a well-designed hard hat system. Comfort and adjustability are key issues to consider as buyers evaluate designs. You’ll find many features available that are not specified in the ANSI Z89 1-2009 standard; features that are important when wearing a hard hat for several hours a day, five days a week.