The 2025 version of the EN 397 standard aims to reduce head injuries caused by falling objects, slips, trips, falls from heights, or loss of machinery control. The main changes are the introduction of two helmet categories: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1: designed to reduce injuries due to impacts localized in the "on-crown" area (top of the head). Type 2: featuring higher impact protection requirements in the "on-crown" area, in addition to specific requirements and testing for impacts localized in the "off-crown" area (front, rear, and lateral sectors of the helmet). Specific requirements are also introduced for the chinstrap: the integration of aspects related to ergonomics assessment, the addition of optional requirements regarding electrostatic and high-visibility properties (applicable only if declared by the manufacturer), and the removal of electrical insulation requirements. For the latter properties, the normative reference becomes requirement 4.3 of the EN 50365:2023 standard, which is also optional and valid only if declared by the manufacturer.
The criteria for selecting a Type 1 rather than a Type 2 helmet must be defined following a risk assessment process. The chinstrap is no longer mandatory to release between 15 and 25 kg, and a clearance gap between the shell and the user's head is no longer required.