This standard provides performance and testing requirements for industrial helmets, commonly known as hard hats. It is a revision of ANSI Z89.1-2003, which established the types and classes of protective helmets, depending on the type of hazard encountered. It includes specifications for helmets designed to offer protection from lateral impact, or top-only impact, giving employers and users the flexibility to specify the helmet that best meets the needs of their specific workplace.

ANSI Z87.1-2009 was prepared by the members of ISEA's Head Protection Group as a revision to ANSI Z89.1-2003, and approved through the ANSI canvass method with input from users, government agencies and safety experts.