Thanks to the yellow MIPS layer, the head can slide 10-15mm in any direction in the helmet. This can reduce rotational motion that may affect the brain (Image: Jonas Kullmann)
Swedish brain protection company MIPS has teamed up with PPE manufacturers to bring its brain protection system into hard hats sold in the UK, with the aim of improving construction site safety.
MIPS, whose technology is already commonly found in cycle helmets, has developed a low-friction layer that, when installed inside a helmet or hard hat, can reduce rotational motion caused by an oblique impact from a fall or getting hit by a falling object.
MIPS claimed that its “Multi-directional Impact Protection System” could improve the head protection of thousands of workers and make construction sites safer.
Every MIPS helmet available on the market is developed together with the helmet manufacturer and tested in MIPS’ global test centre outside of Stockholm, Sweden (Jonas Kullmann)
The rotational motion caused by an angled impact can cause strain to the brain tissue, which may lead to severe brain injuries, MIPS said. It added that rotational motion to the brain is the most likely cause of concussion or even more serious damage to the brain. The MIPS protection system reduces that motion by absorbing and redirecting forces that could otherwise be transmitted to the brain. The MIPS layer inside the helmet ensures that the head can slide 10-15 mm inside the helmet in any direction.
The company develops and markets the Brain Protection System (BPS) for helmet manufacturers to incorporate into their helmets. The BPS is found inside the safety helmet, generally between the comfort padding and the EPS (a high-quality foam used to reduce energy). At certain impact, the MIPS BPS can reduce harmful forces that may otherwise be transmitted to the brain. In 2019 MIPS teamed up with Swedish safety helmet manufacturer Guardio, to create the world’s first hard hat with MIPS. They are now looking to build upon this success and partner with leading above-the-neck PPE manufacturers across Europe.
Despite the widespread and mostly mandatory use of hard hats, construction workers are still at risk for severe head injuries including concussion. They can suffer concussions from the impact force from a fall, slip or trip as well as a result of being knocked in the head by falling tools or debris or impact with heavy machinery. When head injuries occur as a result of an accident on site, sometimes with life-changing consequences.
Max Strandwitz, CEO of MIPS said: "From our research, we know that in the majority of cases our head hits the ground at an angle when we fall. The same applies when impact, collision or contact with an object occurs. These impact scenarios are more likely to happen in high risk professions, and in particular, on construction sites. Concussions are typical phenomena that can occur following such impacts. This is because an angled impact can cause rotational motion to the head, which can create a tearing injure to the brain tissue. The problem is that conventional industrial safety helmets most often protect against injuries such as skull fractures, but do not reduce rotational motion to a sufficient level. Our brain is about six to seven times more susceptible to rotational motion than to linear impacts.“
He added: “We know that construction workers are particularly at risk for accidents and particularly head injuries. The MIPS Brain Protection System has the potential to revolutionise personal safety in this sector and offer additional head protection to workers on as many work sites as possible. In our free time, for example when cycling, riding or skiing, we place an enormous amount of importance on safe head protection. For people who take a high risk because of their occupation, the best possible helmet at work should also be a priority. Protection against rotational motion should be as important for safety helmets as airbags and seatbelts are in cars,"
