Why choose HERO: a safety helmet designed for hybrid, dynamic sites and work at height

On construction sites, working conditions are always changing, alternating between ground-level activities and work at height; fast-paced movements and long idle periods; and the risk of falls and lateral impact.
When it comes to safety helmets, the risk is twofold: selecting inadequate protection and adopting solutions that, although compliant with standards, are poorly suited to real working conditions.

That's why a more integrated approach is needed: a helmet like HERO, designed to combine multiple protection requirements with a secure fit and long-lasting comfort, even on the most complex sites.

HERO is one of the first safety helmets on the market to be certified to the new EN 397:2025 – Type II standard, which combines lateral impact protection with a secure fit even at height, during dynamic movements or in inclined positions.

It is a work helmet engineered to address real on-site challenges in terms of stability, comfort and regulatory compliance.
And the design follows the same principle: essential, functional and genuinely focused on simplifying work on site.

Operational challenges on complex sites: the HERO solution

When working at height, risks go beyond the danger of falling, including the helmet's ability to remain securely in place during sudden movements, inclined positions or prolonged rope access work.

Many construction helmets compliant with EN 397 are primarily designed for ground-level use and do not always ensure a secure fit during work at height, particularly when not equipped with appropriate retention systems.

The right safety helmet

A helmet that shifts during movements at height undermines perceived stability and reduces the overall effectiveness of the PPE. As a result, workers may attempt to adjust the helmet themselves – often incorrectly or using makeshift solutions – or end up wearing it improperly, particularly during ongoing tasks or high-mobility activities.

Certified to EN 397:2025 – Type II, HERO addresses this issue by integrating:

• Protection against both lateral and top impact

• Requirements for work at height previously covered only by EN 12492

This combination keeps HERO stable and securely positioned even in the most demanding conditions, such as prolonged inclination or rope access work, without the need for makeshift adjustments or loss of comfort.

Incorrect use of PPE due to poor ergonomics

Ergonomics is still often treated as secondary in the design of protective equipment, despite having a direct impact on whether a helmet is worn properly during everyday work.
If PPE is perceived as uncomfortable, heavy or intrusive, it will likely be worn incorrectly or, in some cases, not worn at all. On construction sites, it is not uncommon to find poorly adjusted helmets, chin straps left undone or liner replaced with makeshift solutions, particularly during ongoing tasks.

The main issues identified include:

• front padding that quickly becomes saturated with sweat, compromising thermal comfort

• stiff or poorly positioned chin straps, which can cause friction, localised pressure or discomfort during movement

• uneven weight distribution leading to perceived fatigue, particularly during long periods of use

When PPE is uncomfortable, it is either used incorrectly or abandoned altogether. The result is ineffective protection and a real risk on site.

What changes with the new EN 397:2025 Type II standard

Many H&S managers and safety engineers are faced with a recurring question: EN 397 or EN 12492?

Until 2025, EN 397 did not explicitly cover requirements for work at height, which meant that some helmets were also certified to EN 12492, a standard originally developed for mountaineering.

The new EN 397:2025 – Type II standard addresses this gap, integrating requirements for work at height that were previously covered only by EN 12492. This marks a significant step forward, making PPE selection simpler and reducing the margin for error.

HERO is one of the first helmets to be certified to EN 397:2025 Type II. This compliance helps prevent incorrect use, such as standard construction helmets being worn for work at height or, conversely, mountaineering helmets being used in industrial settings.
A single certification also simplifies compliance paperwork: one helmet, certified to the most up-to-date standard, clearly demonstrating its suitability for the intended applications.

For environments presenting an electrical hazard where electrical insulation is required, HERODIEL offers dual certification to EN 397:2025 Type II and EN 50365:2023.

PPE that is officially compliant but effectively unsuitable

There are technically “compliant” helmets that pass every laboratory test yet fall short on site for very practical reasons: excessive lateral bulk that restricts movement, accessories that come loose or interfere with one another, or shapes that are incompatible with other PPE such as ear defenders or visors. In some cases, workers resort to makeshift modifications simply to make the helmet usable on site.

A helmet designed around real-world experience can prevent these issues. HERO, for example, combines a compact, stable profile with discreetly integrated accessories. An effective helmet is one that is accepted – and an accepted helmet is one that gets worn.

It may sound obvious, but this is the basis of effective prevention.

Design and features for continuous use and safety

To address these challenges, the HERO safety helmet was developed based on the direct experience of its users:

• it can be adjusted even while wearing work gloves

• the liner is replaceable and washable

• ventilation is optimised without compromising protection

• When it comes to PPE, design is never an end in itself. It serves a clear purpose: to make sure the equipment is worn, maintained and accepted.
  That's why the HERO helmet was developed in consultation with real workers, analysing behaviour, feedback, needs and preferences – including, where relevant, even aesthetics.

The colour grey: a conscious design choice

Grey was introduced to give the helmet a strong visual identity, setting it apart from more conventional products on the market.

It is not intended to replace traditional colours – which are still available – but to offer a recognisable, contemporary alternative suited to contexts where design matters, too.

A clean profile, designed for everyday use

The helmet’s design follows a clear, functional logic: no unnecessary external elements and no protrusions that could interfere with the working environment. Accessories are discreetly integrated, maintaining compatibility with other PPE, while the clean lines reduce the risk of accidental snagging in confined spaces or around metal structures.

HERO helmet: technical specifications and customisation

HERO is designed for everyday use across a wide range of applications, with features developed to make on-site work simpler and more efficient:

• Low weight: 450 g – comparable to the best EN 12492 helmets, offering a good balance between lightness and structural strength.

• Compatible accessories and spare parts: visors and ear defenders certified for use with the helmet; front padding and other components can be integrated without affecting the helmet's profile or ergonomics. They are also available as spare parts.

• Colours: alongside the distinctive grey, other colours are available to meet site requirements, company colour codes or role-based identification within teams.

Adapting the helmet to the specific needs of a team or site is a key part of prevention: it improves PPE acceptance, extends its service life and reduces the margin for error sul campo.

HERO: a practical response to real-world risks

Every day on site, decisions are made that have a direct impact on safety. Some are clearly visible – such as poorly assembled scaffolding – while others are less obvious, like the choice of a work helmet.

Choosing a safety helmet such as HERO, certified to EN 397:2025 Type II, reduces the margin for error, avoids unsuitable PPE and simplifies the task of justifying technical choices during audits.

It is a practical prevention measure, not an aesthetic "upgrade" or premium option.
It is a way of saying: we understand the actual problems, and we have designed a solution that reflects what actually happens on site. For those who spend their working day moving between ground level and height, choosing a safety helmet is not a formality – it is a responsibility.

A responsibility we have entrusted to HERO.

Download the data sheet including updated certifications, instructions for use at height and compatible accessories: https://www.rothoblaas.com/products/fall-protection-system/personal-protective-equipment/helmets/hero