Does Your Hard Hat Color Matter

Does your hard hat color matter?

July 23, 2025
By Honeywell, for the Blue Print

Hard hats are an essential part of protective gear for workers in various industries, safeguarding against head injuries and other hazards. While the primary function of a safety helmet is protection, its color and design also play crucial roles in worker safety and comfort, especially in hot environments.

The color of a hard hat can significantly impact visibility and temperature regulation. Bright colors like white, yellow, or orange enhance visibility, which is particularly important in low-light conditions. More importantly, helmet color can influence heat absorption, affecting the overall comfort and safety of the worker.

Heat absorption and color

All hard hats reflect, absorb and transmit some infrared rays from the sun. The rays that are absorbed through the shell become trapped, increasing the temperature of the air gap surrounding the worker’s head.

Dark-colored helmets, such as black or dark blue, absorb more solar radiation, which is then converted into heat. This increased heat can raise the temperature of the helmet and the surrounding air, leading to discomfort and potential heat-related illnesses. Conversely, lighter-colored helmets, like white or yellow, reflect a higher percentage of solar radiation, absorbing less heat and staying cooler. Study shows that depending on the color, the outer shell of a hard hat can become 60 degrees warmer than the ambient temperature, while the temperature inside the hard hat can become more than 30 degrees warmer than the ambient temperature. Selecting light-colored hard hats in warm temperature conditions can make an enormous difference to a worker’s health and safety.

Impact on workers

The difference in heat absorption can significantly affect a worker's comfort and risk of heat-related illnesses, especially when working in direct sunlight or high-heat environments. It is essential to choose helmet colors that minimize heat absorption to ensure worker safety and comfort. It’s also advisable to use a wide-brim hard hat to reduce direct sun exposure, protecting the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp. Venting in hard hats also helps improve comfort by providing improved air circulation which can aid in heat and moisture dissipation. Please note, vents are not suitable for all work environments, particularly those with electrical hazards or where debris can enter the vents.

In summary, choosing the right safety helmet involves considering both color and design to optimize worker safety and comfort. White and brightly colored helmets minimize heat absorption, making them ideal for hot environments. Additionally, selecting between vented and non-vented designs depends on the specific needs of the work setting, helping to ensure maximum protection and comfort for the worker.

By understanding these factors, employers can make informed decisions that enhance the safety and well-being of their workforce.

Content originally from Honeywell. Reused here with permission.