Manson Rolls Out New Type II Head Protection

As part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its workforce, Manson has launched a company-wide upgrade to its head protection standards. The introduction of the new Type II Studson SHK-1 head protection signifies a significant leap in safeguarding employees on the jobsite.

A Brief History of Head Protection

Protective headgear has long played a vital role across a range of industries, particularly in sports and construction. In the early 1900s, football players donned leather caps, which evolved to plastic helmets in the 1940s. Modern helmets now incorporate advanced materials such as polycarbonate and carbon fiber, alongside shock-absorbing technology, ventilation systems, and custom-fit capabilities for superior protection and comfort.

Slideshow documenting the evolution of head protection throughout the years.

Similarly, construction workers relied on cloth or leather caps until the invention of the Hard-Boiled Hat—a steamed canvas shell coated in lacquer—in 1919. The mid-20th century saw the introduction of aluminum hard hats, followed by a shift to thermoplastics in the 1950s and 1960s, offering lighter and more ergonomic options. A major innovation came in 1982 with the addition of the ratchet suspension system, allowing for a more secure and personalized fit.

Today’s hard hats, typically made of high-density polyethylene, include advanced features such as ratchet suspension systems, chin straps, earmuffs, and face shields.

“Over the past century, head protection has evolved in sports, leisure, and construction,” says Manson Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Director Forrest Ray. “Since then, science and new materials have advanced the level of safety current head protection provides.”

Making the Switch from Type I to Type II

Manson’s transition from Type I to Type II head protection represents more than just a shift in equipment and keeping up with industry standards: it makes good on the organization’s commitment to safety and innovation.

The Type II Studson SHK-1 head protection.

“Manson has studied head protection over the years and has tried several different options of Type II head protection, which are more commonly referred to as climbing-style helmets,” Forrest explains. “We believe the Type II head protection will have a significant influence in eliminating and reducing incidents or injuries in the future.”

While the Type-1 hard hat offers reliable vertical impact protection, the Type II head protection provides coverage for both vertical and lateral impact resistance, which aligns with the latest safety standards. It also features a ratchet dial system, chin strap, and a magnetic clip for a secure, lockdown fit. Additional customization options include fire-resistant models, alternative clip types, and larger sizing.

Aside from the noticeable differences, such as the inclusion of the chin strap and slotted air vents near the crown, the Type II head protection offers additional padding, which includes the innovative Koroyd system—several rows of welded tubes beneath the padding, designed to absorb and redistribute blows or impacts.

Manson employees wearing the Type II Studson SHK-1 head protection on the 24th Avenue Ocean Outfall project in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

“The new head protection are more than just a different design, because they represent a major step forward in protecting what matters most: you,” says EHS Manager Matua Sablan. “We work in dynamic environments where hazards can come from any direction, and it gives us a better chance to walk away safely. Choosing to wear the right gear, using it correctly, and encouraging others to do the same reflects our shared responsibility to live safe every day.”

Where Do the Old Hard Hats Go?

As Manson employees continue the transition to the new Type II head protection, several offices and jobsites have taken proactive steps to recycle or donate used and brand-new Type I hard hats by partnering with local recycling centers and community organizations—putting the organization’s core value of taking care of people into action.

“We recycled 75 used hard hats at a nearby recycling collection site,” says Houma EHS Manager Scot Badeaux. “We donated around 40 Type I hard hats to the Bayou Area Habitat for Humanity organization.”

Manson has introduced a new Type II head protection to improve the safety of everyone on our job sites. We discuss what drove this decision, the history of head protection, and the unique features of these new helmets.