Research into the design requirements of industrial safety helmets that has been sponsored by the Health and Safety Executive since 1980 is reviewed. Surveys carried out on construction sites and research in the laboratory have shown that the comfort and acceptability of helmets may be improved by removing localized pressure points on the head, by improving heat dissipation in summer, by reducing the bulk, and by improving fit and retention. Attention is drawn to the fact that these are all questions neglected in standards;​ research aimed at rectifying this shortcoming is discussed. Tests of the mechanical performance of helmets are outlined and those topics which seem to be worthy of future investigation are identified.