A hard hat is a type of helmet predominately used in workplace environments such as construction sites to protect the head from injury such as from falling objects. They are typically required personal protective equipment where heavy labor is being performed.
They used to be made out of metal, but since the 1960s, rigid plastic is the preferred material.
Blue-collar workers who engage in heavy professions that require protective equipment are often called hard hats.
"Hardhat diving" is sometimes used as a nickname for diving in Standard diving dress.
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