Twelve Frequent Hard Hat Questions If the hard hat has sustained an impact, dispose of it immediately, even if the damage is not visible. By Don Rust Jul 01, 2014 ...

Edward W. Bullard invented the hard hat in 1919, then patented it in 1929. It's credited with saving lives on job sites while also becoming a symbol of working-class America.

He designed the first-ever hard hat in 1915, which was made from layers of canvas that were steamed together with glue, a featured a leather brim, and a shock-absorbing suspension device inside.