Helmets are important safety devices in a myriad of jobs, activities, and pastimes throughout the world.
In almost all instances, the wearers of helmets do so to protect their cranium and brain throughout the course of their work, sport, or play.
Helmets are usually shells of solid material covering a wearers head and possibly lower neck area.
Helmets are frequently made from metal when applied in an industrial, military, or other work environment, but for recreational and sporting uses, helmets' materials consist of lightweight metals, plastics, or resins interwoven with fibers.
These final products results in adequate cranial coverage and protection for the wearer in a variety of activities.
In addition to solid construction for the shell portion of the helmet, many helmets are also outfitted with a chinstrap to keep the device in proper place during use.
Other accouterments to helmets include visors, faceguards, brims, and earplugs.
The modern day helmet derives its origins from centuries old warfare.
In these early battles, Greek and Roman soldiers attempted to protect their entire bodies with various forms of metal, wood, and leather.
The Spartan army, in particular, was known for their fierce metal helmet headpieces.
In the years following, armies of empires and nations adopted various forms of helmets to protect their heads from many forms of weaponry in the course of battle.
With the advent of the musket, however, the popularity of the musket waned.
For several centuries, militaries all but abandoned helmets save for ceremonial purposes; however, the First World War changed this stance.
The advent of artillery called for soldiers to protect their craniums from injury once again.
In this case, shrapnel was a soldier's enemy, and a solid metal helmet was a partial form of protection from these lethal artillery weapons.
The significant use of helmets in the First and Second World Wars increased the importance and availability of using these items in a variety of applications throughout the world.
Following the great World Wars, helmets began dotting all aspects of the construction industry as well as with miners, automotive workers, and any other industry utilizing machinery.
These safety improvements significantly boosted the protection and safety of the individual worker.
Besides the military, law enforcement invested in helmets for their officers too.
Aside from professional and military uses, helmets are a highly valuable asset to sport and fun in world cultures.
Currently, bikers, equestrians, football players, mountain climbers, skateboarders, auto racecar drivers, and lacrosse players consistently use some form of a helmet.
Helmets, in the aforementioned capacities, save the lives and health of countless athletes and extreme sports participants on a daily basis.
Many leagues require players to wear helmets as a mandatory safety measure for players.
In general, using helmets only promotes a healthy regard for the dangers faced when participating some activities.
When faced with a traumatic brain injury or death, many participants in these sports would most likely wish they had previously made the decision to protect themselves with one of the many forms of helmets available in today's global markets.