A hard hat with symmetric front and back mounting ridges to support a headlamp is described. The hard hat provides mounting ridges to receive insertion slots of a rigid mounting bracket that fit around the ridges. The rigid mounting bracket includes channels to loop a strap through the channels and support a lamp on the bracket. The strap may include a hook and loop fastener system to enable attachment of a variety of lamps to the rigid support bracket. In this way, the hard hat can support a wide variety of headlamps attached to the rigid mounting bracket without destructive alterations to the hard hat. Clips may be added to the rigid mounting bracket to secure or lock the bracket in place during operation and prevent accidental knocks or jarring of the headlamp.