AtkinsRéalis Introduces Inclusive Hard Hat Design to Support Diverse Hair Types and Headwear

30-Second Takeaway

Quebec-based engineering and project management company AtkinsRéalis has introduced a new inclusive hard hat design aimed at providing effective head protection for a diverse range of hair types, styles and religious headwear. Developed in collaboration with PPE manufacturer MSA, the new V-Gard 930 forms part of AtkinsRéalis’s #PPE For All campaign and is designed to improve comfort, fit and safety across construction sites.

Rethinking PPE for a Changing Workforce

The construction and engineering sectors are increasingly focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, yet many items of personal protective equipment (PPE) continue to follow legacy “one size fits all” designs. For workers with braided or long hair, cultural or religious headwear, or differing head shapes, standard hard hats may offer reduced comfort or compromised protection.

As workforces diversify, employers and manufacturers are being challenged to ensure PPE provides equal levels of safety for all workers.

A Hard Hat Designed for All Hair Types

AtkinsRéalis has introduced a new hard hat specifically designed to accommodate a wide range of hair types and styles, while maintaining full protective performance.

The redesigned helmet allows wearers to make adjustments based on individual hair needs and can also accommodate certain forms of religious headwear. The aim is to ensure a secure fit and effective protection where conventional PPE may fall short.

Real-World Experience Driving Change

The initiative was shaped by lived experience within the workforce. Laurienne Buhinja, a surveyor at AtkinsRéalis, explained the limitations of standard hard hats:

“As a black woman with braided hair, I found the conventional ‘one size fits all’ hard hat was not fit for purpose and provided less protection as a result. Construction workers today are not all one standard size and shape, or gender, and PPE equipment needs to reflect that.”

She added that the issue affects a broad range of workers:

“This is an issue for men and women with long hair, or hair styles and headgear for religious or cultural reasons which do not suit conventional hard hats, as well as many bald people who can find that standard issue headwear can rub and cause discomfort.”

Collaboration with MSA on the V-Gard 930

To deliver a practical solution, AtkinsRéalis collaborated with PPE manufacturer MSA, resulting in the development of the V-Gard 930 hard hat.

The helmet features:

• A redesigned shell

• Fas-Trac III suspension, providing additional internal space for braided and long hair

• Adjustable sizing, allowing improved fit across a wide range of head sizes

These design elements aim to improve comfort without compromising safety standards.

Removing Barriers to Inclusion on Site

Project Director James Butler highlighted the broader objective behind the initiative:

“If we want to create construction sites that welcome all people, we have to remove as many barriers as we can to attract them into the sector, and make it as easy as possible for everyone to perform their work safely and comfortably.”

The new hard hat forms part of AtkinsRéalis’s wider #PPE For All campaign, which seeks to address inclusivity challenges in safety equipment across the industry.

About AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis is a global engineering and project management company headquartered in Quebec, Canada. The company delivers services across infrastructure, energy and industrial sectors, with a strong focus on safety, innovation and inclusive workplace practices.

Visit website: https://www.atkinsrealis.com

About MSA Safety

MSA Safety is a global manufacturer of safety products, including head protection, fall protection and gas detection equipment. The company works with industry partners to develop PPE solutions that enhance worker safety across diverse operating environments.

Visit website: https://www.msasafety.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the V-Gard 930 hard hat?

The V-Gard 930 is a modified hard hat developed by MSA in collaboration with AtkinsRéalis to accommodate diverse hair types and headwear.

Who is the new hard hat designed for?

It is designed for workers with braided or long hair, cultural or religious headwear, and others who may find standard hard hats uncomfortable or ill-fitting.

Does the design compromise safety?

No. The helmet is designed to provide a secure fit and full head protection while improving comfort and inclusivity.

Why is inclusive PPE important?

Ill-fitting PPE can reduce protection and discourage workforce participation. Inclusive PPE helps ensure equal safety standards for all workers.

What is #PPE For All?

It is an AtkinsRéalis campaign focused on improving inclusivity and accessibility in personal protective equipment.