Are chinstraps for safety helmets necessary? [Fact check]

When it comes to keeping your helmet secure, a chinstrap’s role is simple: it keeps your helmet on your head. Yet, despite its straightforward purpose, chinstraps are often misunderstood or overlooked. Some think they’re only necessary for high-risk work, while others assume they’re optional for certain helmet types. But the reality is that a chinstrap can be the difference between a helmet doing its job – or not.

Without a chinstrap, a helmet can easily be dislodged during an accident, leaving workers vulnerable to serious injury. And in the construction industry, where traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are more common than in any other U.S. workplace, that risk is far too great to ignore.

Imagine this: A worker falls 15 feet from a roof, a steel beam swings unexpectedly across a site, or a vehicle transporting supplies collides with a crew member. These are just a few of the countless ways construction workers suffer severe or fatal head injuries.

Since 2011, the construction industry has led all U.S. workplaces in both fatal and nonfatal TBIs. And in 2023, nearly 40% of construction deaths were caused by slips, trips, and falls – many of which involved head injuries.

Beyond protecting the wearer, a properly secured helmet can also prevent injuries to others. A loose or dislodged helmet falling from a height instantly becomes a dangerous projectile, putting workers below at risk. By ensuring every helmet is equipped with a secure chinstrap, companies can reduce these risks and create a safer job site for everyone.

Now, let’s break down some common misconceptions about chinstraps so we can stay aHEAD of the game.

Breaking down common chinstrap misconceptions

“Chinstraps are only for extreme conditions, like working at-height”

Many workers assume chinstraps are only necessary for high-risk tasks, such as working at elevated heights or near machinery. But the reality is that even everyday job-site hazards like slips or bumps can knock a helmet loose. In these moments, a chinstrap can make the difference between staying protected and becoming vulnerable to serious head injuries.

“Chinstraps make helmets uncomfortable and restrictive”

In the past, some chinstraps might have been stiff or poorly fitted, making them uncomfortable to wear for extended periods. Modern chinstraps should be made with comfort in mind, ensuring they stay secure and comfortable even on long shifts, making it easier for workers to stay compliant without distraction.

HexTip: HexArmor® chinstraps focus on ergonomics and comfort, featuring four-point adjustable straps that fit snugly without digging in or causing chafing. They’re also removable* so you can use them for specific applications.

*All chinstraps are removable on our helmets, minus the XA250 climbing style helmet.

“A loose chin strap is good enough”

A loose chinstrap defeats the entire purpose of wearing one. If the strap isn’t properly adjusted, your helmet can still slip, shift, or come off entirely during a sudden movement or impact. A properly fitted chinstrap should be snug but comfortable - tight enough to keep the helmet secure but not so tight that it causes discomfort.

“Chinstraps can cause strangulation”

Chinstraps are designed to enhance safety, not create new hazards. Proper adjustment is key - when fitted correctly, a chinstrap should sit securely under the chin without restricting movement or breathing. Ask your manufacturer about proper chinstrap usage and other features, such as breakaway force or quick-release mechanisms.

“A chinstrap won’t make a difference in an impact”

In an accident, even a properly rated safety helmet won’t provide full protection if it doesn’t stay on your head. A chinstrap ensures that the helmet remains securely in place during an impact, allowing it to do its job by absorbing and redistributing force. Without a chinstrap, a helmet can be knocked off mid-impact, leaving a worker vulnerable to serious injury.

“Helmets are secure enough without a chinstrap”

It might feel like a properly fitted helmet stays in place, but friction and gravity aren’t enough to keep it secure in real-world job site conditions. Any sudden movement – a trip, fall, or impact – can send it flying, leaving a worker exposed at the worst possible moment.

A chinstrap ensures that your helmet stays exactly where it needs to be – on your head. Whether you’re moving between tasks, working in high winds, or navigating uneven terrain, a secured helmet provides consistent protection, allowing workers to move confidently without worrying about their gear shifting out of place.

“It’s just for compliance, not for safety”

While some regulations may require chinstraps, their primary function is protection, not just compliance. They reduce the risk of head injuries, prevent helmets from becoming falling hazards, and ensure the helmet functions as intended. Safety managers who enforce chinstrap use aren’t just following the rules – they’re actively preventing injuries and saving lives.

“Type 2 helmets always require a chinstrap”

There’s a common misconception that Type 2 helmets, which provide both top and side impact protection, inherently require chinstraps. While many job sites may recommend using chinstraps with any helmet for added security, Type 2 helmets themselves don’t necessarily mandate one.

However, wearing a chinstrap with any helmet, including Type 2 models, can increase stability and help ensure full coverage during unexpected impacts, providing greater peace of mind and safety. If you’re curious about what OSHA and global safety standards say about chinstraps and other head protection regulations, check out our full blog covering US, European, Canadian, and OSHA PPE requirements here.

HexTip: Just because a helmet offers advanced protection doesn’t mean it stays secure on its own; always pair your Type 2 helmet with a chinstrap for maximum safety.

Head protection from HexArmor® 

Industry-leading technology has allowed us to thoughtfully reimagine head protection with more comfort, more stability, more style, and, most importantly, more safety. We offer a few different styles of helmets with chinstraps in our Ceros® XP, XT, and XA families.

Our Ceros® XA250 climbing style helmet with riveted four-point chin strap excels in all environments, including working at-height, in movement, or even in confined spaces. The best part: paired with our patented Kinetix® suspension system, it’s nearly two times safer than the ANSI/ISEA requirements for force transmission in Type 1 helmets. Learn more about the Kinetix® suspension system here.

The Ceros® XP300A and Ceros® XP300AE bring you the next level of full-brim safety helmets, giving you more stability and protection on the job. Paired with the AirBridge® suspension system that is ultrasonically welded, pre-assembled, and ready to wear right out of the bag – this helmet ups both comfort and ease of use. Learn more about the AirBridge® suspension system here.

Get an extra layer of confidence and protection with our Ceros® XP450A and XP450AE helmets with Mips® safety system that works hand-in-hand with our proprietary AirBridge® suspension system to give you further protection against on-the-job rotational impacts. The Mips® low-friction layer inside the helmet is designed to move slightly to help reduce the risk of brain injuries and other TBIs. Read more about the Mips® safety system here.

For those who need Type 2 protection, the XT400 and XT400E helmets offer full-brim Class C and Class E head protection designed to defend against both top-down and lateral impacts. These helmets feature a premium ABS shell for enhanced durability, while an EPS foam interior absorbs and distributes impact forces from all directions – front, rear, side, and top. Learn more about type 2 safety helmets here. 

The XT400 and XT400E also have an option that comes equipped with the Mips® safety system for added protection against rotational impact injuries. This system provides the same level of protection as the XP450A and XP450AE, just in a Type 2 helmet.

Plus, we have a removable four-point chin strap that clicks right into your Ceros® XP safety helmet in seconds, that’s compatible with the XP250, XP250E, XP450A, and XP450AE.

Helmets that come standard with a chinstrap:

• Ceros® XA250
• Ceros® XP450A + Ceros® XP450AE
• Ceros® XP450A with Mips® + Ceros® XP450AE with Mips®
• Ceros® XT400 with Mips® + Ceros® XT400E with Mips®
• Ceros® XP300A and Ceros® XP300AE
• Ceros® XP250 + Ceros® XP250E are compatible with a chinstrap that can be easily added

HexArmor® can help

By dispelling these myths and promoting a clearer understanding of the benefits of chinstraps, we can elevate safety standards and reduce preventable injuries on job sites everywhere. Just remember: a simple chinstrap could be the extra layer of security that keeps your helmet – and your head – protected.

Our robust family of safety helmets delivers the most holistic head protection on the market.

Let us know if you need help or are ready to start a trial – our Solution Specialists are ready to help. Call 1.877.MY ARMOR or send us a message.

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