MIPS Brings Patented Brain Protection System To UK Construction Sector

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07 April 2020 | Updated 23 February 2021

Swedish brain protection company MIPS is teaming up with European Safety Helmet and PPE manufacturers to improve head protection in the UK.

MIPS will incorporate their patented brain protection system into hard hats to protect thousands of UK workers and make construction sites safer.

 

How does this system work?

 

Based on 25 years of research, testing, and development, MIPS has developed a low-friction layer that is installed inside a helmet by the manufacturer.

This layer can reduce rotational motion caused by an oblique impact from a fall or getting hit by a falling object.

MIPS is the “Multi-directional Impact Protection System”, designed to reduce the rotational motion transmitted to the brain from angled impacts. During an angled impact, rotational motion can cause strain to the brain tissue, which may lead to severe brain injuries.

When you have suffered a concussion or even more serious damage to the brain, rotational motion to the brain is the most likely cause. MIPS’ added protection system has been proven to reduce the rotational motion when implemented in a helmet by absorbing and redirecting forces that could otherwise be transmitted to the brain.

The Brain Protection System (BPS) is found inside the safety helmet, generally between the comfort padding and the EPS (a high-quality foam used to reduce energy). At certain impact, the MIPS BPS can reduce harmful forces that may otherwise be transmitted to the brain.

 

 

More protection than conventional industrial safety helmets 

 

Max Strandwitz, CEO of MIPS explains:

"From our research, we know that in the majority of cases our head hits the ground at an angle when we fall.  The same applies when impact, collision or contact with an object occurs. These impact scenarios are more likely to happen in high risk professions, and in particular, on construction sites. 

“Concussions are typical phenomena that can occur following such impacts. This is because an angled impact can cause rotational motion to the head, which can create a tearing injury to the brain tissue. 

“The problem is that conventional industrial safety helmets most often protect against injuries such as skull fractures, but do not reduce rotational motion to a sufficient level.  Our brain is about six to seven times more susceptible to rotational motion than to linear impacts.“

The MIPS layer inside the helmet ensures that the head can slide 10-15 mm inside the helmet in any direction. This can reduce rotational motion acting on the brain, as independent tests have shown

In 2019 MIPS teamed up with Swedish safety helmet manufacturer Guardio, to create the world’s first hard hat with MIPS.  They are now looking to build upon this success and partner with leading above-the-neck PPE manufacturers across Europe.

 

Majority of construction fatalities are falls from height

 

2019 Construction Statistics for Great Britain show 30 fatalities, the majority of which are falls from height and being struck by a moving, flying or falling object. Although the rate of self-reported non-fatal injuries to workers shows a downward trend, 54,000 non-fatal injuries were still reported in 2019, so the need for greater protection is there. 

The sector represents around 7% of the workforce and a construction site has many scenarios that could result in a head injury, with multiple trades, contractors and sub-contractors often working alongside each other, the risks are often complex.

 

HSE (Health and Safety Executive) found that in 2019, 25% of the non-fatal injuries were from slips trips or falls on the same level; 18% from falls from height and a further 12%  were caused by moving objects, including flying or falling objects – all of which, on a busy construction site, can increase the severity of the injury.

Around 2.4% of workers in the sector suffered an injury, and this is statistically significantly higher than the “all industry” rate.

The economic cost of these workplace injuries was estimated to be £0.5 billion and accounted for just under half a million working days lost.

Picture: Swedish brain protection company MIPS is teaming up European Safety Helmet and PPE manufacturers to improve head protection in the UK.

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 07 April 2020

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