When it comes to choosing a helmet, there are many options available with different features, performance and price points. We are often asked ‘which helmet is best for me?’
Unfortunately, the answer is not so simple. PPE must be selected after careful consideration of the hazards and conditions on your site. A full risk assessment is crucial to ensure staff are adequately protected.
Assess the hazards – first it is important to complete a thorough risk assessment and identify all potential hazards, which may include:
- Impacts
- Falls
- Slips & trips
- Electricity
- Molten metal
- Bumps & scrapes
Consider the application – think about the application and usage conditions:
- Construction
- Work at height
- Forestry
- Search & rescue
- Demolition & quarrying
- Manufacturing
- Warehouses
- Transport & logistics
Compliance factors – check which standards your helmet needs to meet:
- EN 397:2012
- EN 397:2025 Type 1
- EN 397:2025 Type 2
- EN 12492
- EN 14052
- EN 50365
- EN 812
- ANSI, CSA, AS/NZS
Choose attachments – identify which other PPE items and accessories you need:
- Eye protection
- Faceshields
- Ear defenders
- Chinstraps
- Lamps & torches
Specify features – consider features to aid identification, visibility and comfort:
- Colour
- Ventilation
- Branding and logos
- ID card holders
- Reflective decals
- Cold / hot weather accessories
Selecting a helmet for construction & industry
The EVO® ALTA® range offers a choice of performance options to suit your task, including DualSwitch™ offering the ability to switch between EN 397 and EN 12492 protection.
Each model features a specialised shell structure to increase durability and shock absorption performance.
Attachment points on the shell enable firm fitting of ear defenders and faceshields for fully compatible combined protection. Lamps, goggle straps and a range of other accessories can also be added to adapt the helmet for your workplace.
Choose the built-in ID card holder option to display company identification or store emergency information.
Standards: EN 397, EN 12492, EN 50365
Learn more about the EVO® ALTA® range
Selecting a helmet for electrical work
Tested and certified with both EN 397 440 V and EN 50365 1000 V properties, the EVOGuard® C5 MAX helmet system is ideal for electrical work.
The helmet system includes an A-rated impact visor with integrated chinguard, rated to GS-ET-29 Class 1 for electric arc protection.
It offers on-crown shock absorption and penetration resistance, with an adjustable 4-point chinstrap for increased security. The helmet meets all relevant global standards including EN 397, EN 50365, ANSI Z89.1, CSA Z94.1 and AS/NZS 1801.
Standards: EN 397, EN 50365, GS-ET-29, , ANSI Z89.1, CSA Z94.1, AS/NZS 1801
Learn more about the EVOGuard®C range
Selecting a helmet for forestry
The EVOGuard®M3 helmet system is purpose-built for forestry.
An F-rated impact visor and clear retractable eyeshield provide dual layer eye and face protection.
Made with etched stainless steel mesh, the visor offers 80% visible light transmittance. The EVOSpec® optical class 1 eyeshield filters UV light to keep your vision clear in outdoor applications.
The helmet system features an adjustable 4-point chinstrap and Sonis®C ear defenders offering SNR 29dB hearing protection.
Standards: EN 397, EN 166, EN 1731, EN 170, EN 352-3
Learn more about the EVOGuard® M3 helmet system
Selecting a helmet for demolition work
JSP’s EVO®8 was the world’s first helmet to meet the tougher requirements of EN 14052, offering increased shock absorption and penetration resistance.
Designed for today’s highest risk environments, the EVO®8 provides protection against intense side-on impacts and penetration hazards.
The helmet features a lightweight impact-absorbing liner made from EPS, with a textile suspension harness, comfort pad and wheel ratchet adjustment. Available with a 4-point Baseworker™ chinstrap option for increased security.
Standards: EN 14052
Learn more about the EVO®8 range
Selecting head protection for production lines, warehouse operations, transport & logistics
If there is no risk of falling objects, a bump cap offers the perfect protection for environments with overhead obstacles, helping to protect against bumps and scrapes due to accidental contact.
The Hardcap Aerolite® is ultra-lightweight at 135g and exceeds EN 812 requirements for industrial bump caps – with an impact force transmission 3x less than the required maximum, even when tested at -40°C.
Large open weave panels in the cover enable maximum airflow, reducing heat build-up to keep the wearer cool.
Standards: EN 812
Learn more about the Hardcap Aerolite®
Whichever helmet you choose, don’t forget the basics!
Fit & adjustment – Selecting a helmet with advanced adjustment features helps to ensure a secure fit and keep wearers comfortable. All JSP EVO® helmets include a fully adjustable suspension harness with three depth settings offering the most precise fit attainable on a safety helmet. Learn how we build adjustability into JSP products
Bespoke branding – Build brand awareness and personalise your helmet with the JSP Logo Express® service. Select your product, colour, and where you want your logo to be printed. Find out more about JSP Logo Express®
Compatibility – When choosing helmet attachments and accessories, make sure the items are compatible. The new EN 397:2025 helmet standard introduces test and assessment requirements for additional protective functions and accessories. JSP products are designed to work together. We test products in combination to ensure comfort, performance and ease of use. Learn how to select compatible helmet attachments
Visit our website to view the full range of JSP helmets and bump caps. For help choosing the right product for you, please contact the JSP Technical Helpline at technical@jspsafety.com.
Introducing the new EN 397:2025 Industrial protective Helmet standard
Find out how JSP helmets are tested