Let’s face it—most hard hats haven’t changed much in decades. They’re great at stopping that wrench someone drops from scaffolding, but what about when you trip over a cord or take a side hit from a swinging beam? That’s where things get dicey.
The reality is, more and more jobsite head injuries aren’t coming from objects falling straight down—they’re happening from slips, trips, and awkward impacts that cause your head to twist or rotate.
That kind of motion is a major culprit behind concussions and traumatic brain injuries. In fact, over 450,000 workplace slips, trips, and falls led to lost workdays between 2021 and 2022 in the U.S. alone.
MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) helmets are designed to meet the demands of how we now understand workplace dangers. Built to address impacts that twist and turn the head—not just direct hits—it adds a low-friction layer inside the helmet that helps reduce the force of rotation during an angled impact. It’s an upgrade designed to better protect what matters most: your brain.
Continue reading as we break down why rotational motion is such a serious threat, how MIPS technology works to reduce the risk, and what to look for when choosing the right MIPS-equipped helmet for the job.
Why Rotational Motion Is So Dangerous
No matter how much you exercise it, the brain isn’t a rock-hard muscle—it’s a soft, gel-like organ floating inside your skull. That makes it incredibly vulnerable to the kind of forces that come with slips, trips, and awkward impacts.
When you hit your head, especially at an angle, your brain keeps moving. The technical term is rotational motion, and it’s a lot more damaging than most people think.
What causes your brain to rotate?
When your head hits the ground at an angle (which happens more often than not in workplace accidents), it creates something called tangential force. That sudden twist causes the brain to shear—essentially stretch and strain inside the skull. Because the brain is full of water, it doesn’t compress—it distorts. That distortion is where real trouble begins.
The scary part? Most standard helmet tests don’t account for this.
They’re built to measure straight-down, vertical impacts. Helpful, sure—but not the whole story. Real-world injuries don’t always come from above. They come from the side, at angles, during falls, or when you get clipped by moving gear.
Rotational motion can lead to:
- Concussions
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Long-term cognitive issues
- Increased recovery times from “mild” head impacts
These aren’t just bumps on the head—they’re injuries that can mess with your memory, focus, reaction time, and ability to work. Plus, they don’t always show up right away.
That’s why understanding and protecting against rotational motion matters—and why MIPS-equipped helmets are quickly becoming the new standard in workplace safety.
Why Traditional Hard Hats Fall Short
Standard hard hats have done the job for decades, but they’re built with one kind of impact in mind: straight down. That’s great for falling tools, not so much for sideways tumbles or awkward hits that send your head spinning.
The trouble is, your brain doesn’t respond well to that kind of twisting. It’s not just the impact—it’s the motion that does damage.
Here’s what happens and how MIPS helmets protect:
- Helmets Can’t Move—But Your Brain Still Does
When your head takes a hit, there’s intense pressure between your head and the helmet—sometimes equal to the weight of 10 people pressing down. That much force locks the helmet in place, even if it fits a little loose. - MIPS Adds a Hidden Layer of Movement
The MIPS system adds a slick, low-friction liner between the helmet shell and your head. During an angled impact, it allows 10–15mm of movement in any direction. That tiny shift can redirect rotational energy away from your brain. - Designed for Real-World Impacts
Most hard hats protect against vertical impacts. But jobsite injuries often come at angles—falls on gravel, uneven ground, or sudden side hits. MIPS helps absorb and redirect that rotational energy so your brain doesn’t have to.
Think of it as a seatbelt for your skull—built to protect you from the kind of hits that don’t come straight down.
Choosing the Right MIPS-Equipped Hard Hat
A MIPS helmet only works if it’s the right one for you. That means more than just picking the first one on the shelf—it means knowing what your job throws at you and what gear will actually keep up.
Start with your jobsite:
- Are you dealing with overhead hazards, tight spaces, or uneven ground?
- Do you wear other PPE, like earmuffs or face shields, that need to work with your helmet?
- Are you sweating it out in the heat or freezing your tail off? Ventilation and weight matter.
Fit and feel matter more than you think:
- Your helmet should feel secure—not like it’s doing laps around your skull.
- Look for adjustable suspension systems that dial in the fit without digging into your head.
- A helmet that’s comfortable is a helmet you’ll actually wear. Most folks use a full-brim style for sun protection and it expands the safety area a bit more.
- Be prepared – MIPS is going to be more costly than traditional hard hats. Its your noggin – is it worth it?
Don’t forget the standards:
- Always check for ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 certification.
- Make sure you’re buying a legit MIPS-equipped model—not just something that looks high-tech.
- Check the manufacturer’s date
Your head deserves better than “close enough.” Find the helmet that fits right, feels good, and protects when it counts.
Get the Helmet That Actually Has Your Back
Ready to make the switch to a helmet that protects you from more than just falling tools? BareBones WorkWear® carries a lineup of MIPS-equipped safety helmets from top brands like Bullard and Lift Safety.
Whether you’re shopping for your next jobsite upgrade or replacing a worn-out lid, our team’s here to help you find the right fit for your work, your head, and your budget.
Stop by any of our 10 locations and you’ll find:
- A wide selection of MIPS-integrated helmets for construction, utility, and industrial work
- In-store fittings to make sure it feels right and performs right
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff who actually know their stuff
- Resources that explain how and why MIPS works—no fluff, just facts
Try a few on, feel the difference for yourself, and make the commitment to protecting what matters most. Your head will thank you.