Bump caps & safety hats from uvex

Bump caps of the uvex u-cap series are the number one when it comes to protecting oneself against abrasions, impact injuries and the sun. The bump caps can be individually embroidered according to your needs. Also, the uvex u-cap safety hats offer high wear comfort and can be used in a wide range of operation purposes.

Whether you need a bump cap with short brim for a wider field of upward vision, a safety hat with high visibility warning colours according to EN 471, or a bump cap with integrated hard shell for reliable impact protection in accordance with EN 812 – the uvex u-cap series offers the right protection for your requirements.

Bump caps are lightweight head protection caps. They protect you from bumping your head against fixed objects, such as low ceilings, pipes, straps or edges. They look like a classic baseball cap but feature an integrated hard shell. This protects the head against minor impacts.

Compared to a safety helmet, bump caps are significantly lighter and have better ventilation. Employees are happy to wear them, which increases wearer acceptance and provides better protection in everyday working life. However, in areas where safety helmets are mandatory, bump caps are not permitted.

The key difference in comparison to a safety helmet is: bump caps for head protection are not designed to withstand falling objects or heavy impacts. They are used where a helmet is not mandatory, but where there is still a risk of injury from impacts, e.g. in intralogistics, during maintenance work or in workshops.

The European standard EN 812 defines the requirements for bump caps in terms of shock absorption, penetration resistance and fastening. Products that comply with this standard are proven to protect against typical impact injuries such as lacerations and bruises.

Bump caps protect against minor to moderate impact injuries. Their effectiveness is certified by EN 812. Among other things, this standard tests the shock absorption and penetration resistance of the integrated hard shell. Bump caps that meet these requirements significantly reduce the forces acting on the head during an impact. They thus lower the risk of injury.

Important: Bump caps for occupational safety do not replace a safety helmet compliant with EN 397. Where objects fall, loads swing or electrical hazards are present, a full-featured industrial safety helmet remains mandatory. The bump cap is designed for working environments where helmets are not mandatory but there is a risk of impact. 

A bump cap only provides full protection if it fits correctly. The most important principle: the bump cap must sit firmly and securely on the head without slipping, but without exerting any uncomfortable pressure.

When putting the cap on, ensure that the hard shell is positioned centrally over the forehead. It must completely cover the forehead area. The brim points forwards and provides additional protection against glare and sunlight. Most models feature a continuously adjustable strap or a Velcro closure at the back of the head. This allows you to adjust the cap to your actual head size.  

To ensure a correct fit: make sure the cap does not slip during rapid movements. At the same time, it must not be so tight that it causes pressure points or restricts blood circulation.

A quick visual check is recommended before each use. The hard shell must not show any cracks or deformations, and the fabric should be intact. You should replace the bump cap after a heavy impact. The protective effect of the shell may be compromised by invisible material fatigue.

If you choose a bump cap instead of a helmet, there are certain points you need to bear in mind when making your purchase.

First and foremost is certification to EN 812. Only bump caps that meet this standard guarantee protection against impact injuries. Check that the certification is clearly indicated on the product or in the product documentation.

The right fit is equally crucial. A bump cap should be infinitely adjustable to suit your head size, ideally via an adjustment strap or a Velcro closure. Models available in multiple sizes offer additional flexibility for different wearers in the workplace.

The uvex u-cap range offers models with a variety of features:

• Bump caps with logos in unique designs
• customisable with printing and embroidery
• Reliable impact protection in accordance with EN 812
• Integrated reflective elements for improved visibility

For the best protection, the premium versions impress with comfortable additional features:

• Continuously adjustable sizing via an adjustment strap
• Comfortable interior lining for maximum functionality and wearer comfort

A matching headlamp is also available as an accessory for the uvex u-cap sport – for clear vision in all directions. 

Bump caps are generally available in universal sizes that cover a wide range of head circumferences. Models from the uvex u-cap premium range can be individually adjusted to your head size using a continuously adjustable strap or a Velcro closure at the back of the head.  

To determine the correct size, measure your head circumference with a flexible tape measure about one centimetre above your eyebrows and ears, i.e. at the widest point of your head. Then compare the measurement you have taken with the manufacturer’s size guide. Standard bump caps cover a range of approximately 52 to 64 centimetres.

You can tell if the fit is good by the following points:

• The cap sits firmly on the head
• Does not cause pressure points
• Does not slip during rapid movements or when you bend your head forward
• There is enough space between the hard shell and the head

Practical tip: If in doubt, it is advisable to try on different models. Especially for bulk orders for the workplace, ordering samples can be useful to test the fit and wearer comfort in advance with different head sizes within the team. 

Breathability is a key comfort factor, particularly when wearing bump caps for several hours at a time. Models in the uvex u-cap range are specifically designed to minimise heat build-up under the protective cap.

This is ensured by several design features. The outer shell of high-quality bump caps is made from breathable fabrics. These wick moisture away from the head and release it into the surrounding air. In addition, many models feature ventilation openings or perforated areas that allow continuous air circulation between the hard shell and the head.

Compared to safety helmets, bump caps generally offer better ventilation, as they enclose less of the head and are inherently more open in design. For particularly warm working environments or physically demanding activities, it is advisable to look specifically for models with enhanced ventilation when purchasing, and to briefly remove the cap at regular intervals to allow the head to cool.