What is an advantage of a mountaineering style helmet over a standard hardhat?

A mountaineering style helmet offers better protection against side impacts, which is a key advantage in many work environments, especially those involving rope access or climbing. Standard hard hats are primarily designed to protect against impacts from above, such as falling objects, but they often do not provide adequate lateral protection. In contrast, the design of mountaineering helmets includes additional features that enhance coverage around the sides of the head, making them suitable for various hazardous activities where the risk of lateral impacts is significant.

When considering other options: While lighter weight and cost might be factors in choosing a helmet, they do not specifically address the unique protection requirement of side impacts. A peak visor may be a useful feature for sun protection or glare reduction but does not contribute to impact safety. Therefore, the justification for selecting a mountaineering style helmet over a standard hard hat hinges on its ability to provide comprehensive protection around the head, particularly from side impacts.