safety helmet

A helmet is a form of protective gear worn on the head to protect it from injuries.
Ceremonial or symbolic helmets ( policeman's helmet) without protective function are sometimes used. The oldest known use of helmets was by Assyrian soldiers in 900BC, who wore thick leather or bronze helmets to protect the head from blunt object and sword blows and arrow strikes in combat. Soldiers still wear helmets, now often made from lightweight plastic materials.
In civilian life, helmets are used for recreational activities and sports (e.g., jockeys in horse racing, American football, ice hockey, cricket, baseball, and rock climbing); dangerous work activities (e.g., construction, mining, riot police); and transportation (e.g., Motorcycle helmets and bicycle helmets). Since the 1990s, most helmets are made from resin or plastic, which may be reinforced with fibers such as aramids.
All helmets attempt to protect the user's head by absorbing mechanical energy and protecting against penetration. Their structure and protective capacity are altered in high-energy impacts. Beside their energy-absorption capability, their volume and weight are also important issues, since higher volume and weight increase the injury risk for the user's head and neck. Anatomical helmets adapted to the inner head structure were invented by neurosurgeons at the end of the 20th century.

 
Helmets used for different purposes have different designs. For example, a bicycle and bike  helmet must protect against blunt impact forces from the wearer's head striking the road. A helmet designed for rock climbing must protect against heavy impact, and against objects such as small rocks and climbing equipment falling from above. Practical concerns also dictate helmet design: a bicycling helmet should be aerodynamic in shape and well ventilated, while a rock climbing helmet must be lightweight and small so that it does not interfere with climbing.
Some helmets have other protective elements attached to them, such as a face visors or goggles or a face cage, and ear plugs and other forms of protective headgear, and a communications system. Sports helmets may have an integrated metal face protector (face cage)
There's no smoke and mirrors about it, bicycle helmets have one major advantage: increased safety. In fact, they are the best protection from head injury inflicted by bicycle crash that you can get. The other elements associated with a helmet are largely negative: overheating, less comfort, lack of style. However, the advantage of safety is so overwhelming and well-defined that it easily outweighs the rather superficial disadvantages. Helmets have been made mandatory via state and local laws around the country because of this major advantage

 

Significance

·         The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that 70 percent of bicyclists involved in a fatal crashes suffer from head injuries. Further, the organization estimates that helmets are 85 percent to 88 percent effective in preventing head and brain injuries, making them a vital safety tool. In fact, the survey describes helmets as "the single most effective way to reduce head injuries and fatalities from bicycle crashes"

Legal Issues

·         As of April 24, 2009, most of counties had enacted helmet laws. Most of these laws are age-qualified and apply to minors under the age of 16. It is important to be aware the laws in your state and municipality and wear a helmet accordingly. Only 14 states had no bicycle helmet laws at either the state or local level.

Advanced Technology

·         While many of the complaints and disadvantages of helmets focus on the discomfort and heat of the helmet, helmet technology and design are continually advancing. Features such as adjustable fit rings have made helmets more secure and customized, while additional venting has increased cooling and air circulation.

Safety Standards

·         As of 1999, bicycle and bike  helmets must meet safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standards include impact protection, strap strength and stability.

Correct Fit

·         A helmet cannot fully realize its protective potential unless it is properly fit to the bike rider’s and  bicyclist. rider’s should spend time adjusting the helmet and ensuring that it fits snugly.

legislation requiring children to wear helmets is considered necessary to push helmet use rates higher. Even in Seattle where the HIPRC education campaign was so successful, helmet usage has leveled off. HIPRC officials have publicized the fact that communities with helmet laws achieve higher usage rates than Seattle in less time.

Closing Comments

There is no doubt that helmets can prevent a large majority of head and brain injuries from bicycle and in-line skating accidents. Study after study shows that helmets of any type that meet Snell or ANSI standards, when properly worn, can prevent head injuries from falls and crashes.
The main barrier to helmet use seems to be a lack of awareness of the potential benefits of helmets. Studies have shown that legislation appears to be the most effective when it is coupled with a well-coordinated helmet promotion campaign. So, experts strongly recommend launching educational campaigns targeted at parents, children and pediatricians to teach them about the importance of helmets, in addition to passing legislation mandating helmet use, in order to achieve the highest compliance rate as possible.