of approximately 0 030 in likewise shield sections 72 are also preferably limited in size area and positioned adjacent to only those sections of outer shell 20 and shock absorbing layer 30 requiring reinforcement for protection against puncturing impacts in that regard certain regions of outer shell 20 may be less resistant to penetration than other regions or the distance between the outer shell and the head of the user may be less than in other regions the curvature of outer shell 20 at the forward and rearward ends thereof and the distance from outer shell 20 to the head of the user at the top portion of outer shell 20 make contact of a penetrating object with the head of the user less likely in those regions on the other hand the reduced amount of curvature on the sides of outer shell 20 may result in less resistance to penetration likewise it is in the area of the lower sides of outer shell 20 that the user 39 s head is closest to outer shell 20 furthermore in the embodiment of fig1 passages 32 in shock absorbing layer 30 may increase the likelihood that a penetrating object may contact the user 39 s head in the vicinity thereof shield sections 72 are thus preferably positioned on each side of safety helmet assembly 10 and cover passages 32 as best illustrated in fig2 a and 3 b shield sections 72 may be provided with slots 74 at each end thereof through which webbing strips 44 may pass when shield sections 72 are positioned within safety helmet assembly 10.