CLEVELAND — Gateway Safety has announced that its Serpent^® safety helmet is the winner in the Head Protection category in Occupational Health & Safety magazine’s fifth annual New Product of the Year contest. The award winners were chosen by an independent panel of three highly qualified judges. Trophies will be presented to the winners during the 2013 National Safety Congress & Expo, to be held at McCormick Place in Chicago Sept. 28-Oct. 4.

Serpent is available in both Class C (vented) and Class E (unvented) versions. It features a rotating ratchet adjustment system (pin-lock is also available); an eight-point, six-strap suspension for excellent fit and impact resistance; and a soft cloth brow pad. Plus, Serpent is light weight — about 13 ounces — to ensures all-day comfort.

“The wide spectrum of innovative products these leading manufacturers have introduced during the past year shows us the safety and health marketplace is dynamic and growing” OHS Editor Jerry Laws said. He added that the competition was especially fierce this year, with 71 entries overall. To be eligible for the 2013 awards, products must have been introduced to the market between July 5, 2012 and July 4, 2013.

 “We are honored and pleased that our Serpent safety helmet was the judges’ winning head-protection choice,” Gateway Vice President Matthew Love said. “We appreciate their recognition of our efforts to provide effective and comfortable safety helmets that increase workers’ compliance with the PPE requirements of their jobs. Serpent meets the needs of a variety of occupations with both vented and unvented versions, offering both comfort and exceptional protection.”

 Serpent is available in 11 shell colors, including Hi-Viz Orange and Hi-Viz Limon, which have both been independently tested to the ANSI standard for high visibility. All helmet models, which meet the ANSI Z89.1-2009 standard for Type 1 helmets, have also been independently tested to the voluntary ANSI standards for lower temperature and reverse donning.

For more information, visit www.gatewaysafety.com.