Type 1 hard hats are designed to protect against impacts to the top of the head. While effective in preventing harm if impacted from above, traditional hard hats are known to dislodge when a worker suffers a fall. This leaves the head unprotected from lateral impacts and at risk for serious brain injuries.
Leading construction companies in Canada are shifting to use the more comprehensive head protection provided by Type 2 helmets. The Canadian Construction Safety Council (CCSC) was established in 2024 by a dozen of Canada’s largest construction companies. It recently mandated the use of Type 2 helmets with integrated adjustable four-point straps for all workers employed by its members. By 2026, any partners working with CCSC member companies will also be required to make the change.
The CCSC’s website describes the transition as representing “a commitment to adopting best practices that align with the highest safety standards globally, setting a new benchmark for head protection that reduces head injuries and saves lives.”
Employers and safety associations across Canada, including the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA), are encouraging the shift to Type 2 helmets.
What Makes a Helmet Type 2
Beyond protecting the top of the head, these helmets also protect the sides, front and back. They are designed with a chin strap to stay secure in the event of a fall, providing better head protection from lateral impacts.
Why It Matters
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in construction are often caused by falls when Type 1 hard hats do not stay on the head. According to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), between 2015 to 2021, 68 per cent of all TBIs in the construction industry were caused by falls. For comparison, 12 per cent of TBIs were caused by falling objects.
The chin strap retention system on Type 2 helmets helps the protection stay in place, similar to a climbing or hockey helmet. With the helmet securely fastened, if a worker suffers a fall, the risk of serious traumatic brain injuries is greatly reduced.
Accumulating evidence shows that Type 2 helmets significantly reduce the number of serious head injuries and fatalities among construction workers across North America. Workers can recover from these incidents with minor injuries instead of serious harm.
Embraced by Canadian Construction
While regulations currently give employers and workers the choice between the two types of head protection, “Type 2 helmets are emerging as the safer choice,” says Mike McKenna of the BC Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA).
“The BCCSA supports the member companies of the CCSC who put their workers and trade partners first by making informed choices about the type of personal protective equipment that demonstrates the greatest effectiveness in reducing fatalities and serious injuries.”
Safety statistics from the CCSC are still being compiled, but anecdotes support the decision, says Steve Chaplin, senior vice president, health, safety and environment at CCSC member EllisDon.
“With the old-style hard hats, our workers experienced falls from step ladders and ended up in the hospital,” Chaplin says. “Since we’ve moved to the new helmets, people have fallen and cracked the helmet and liner, but they’ve gotten up. Instead of a traumatic brain injury, they may have a minor concussion.”
As with any change, there may be some initial resistance. But companies that have adopted the shift to Type 2 helmets report that people adapt quickly and even find them more comfortable than traditional hard hats.
“When we explain that it’s like a bicycle or skiing helmet that needs to stay on when you fall, it’s not much of a stretch to think about construction helmets the same way,” Chaplin says.
Why Choose Type 2
- Legal compliance – In alignment with Saskatchewan regulations, employers must offer head protection that meets the CSA standard (CSA Z94.1-15). This includes Type 2 helmets and ensures compliance while delivering superior protection.
- Enhanced safety – Reduce the risk of lateral impacts and ensure the helmet remains securely on the head. Both factors are critical in preventing traumatic brain injuries.
- Worker comfort – Allow time for adjustment, and people find the new helmets fit more comfortably than the previous style.
- Integrated equipment – Type 2 helmets are compatible with a variety of safety accessories, such as visors, hearing protection, headlamps, face shields and communications systems. This helps promote broad, integrated protection.
SCSA president Collin Pullar shares that “The additional lateral protection offered by Type 2 helmets means fewer workers could suffer head injuries from unexpected side impacts. With increased adoption on Saskatchewan job sites, we should see a real difference in workers walking away from an incident, instead of serious head trauma. The goal, of course, is always to prevent falls and other incidents in the first place, but Type 2 helmets are a wise choice for PPE—that last line of defence against injuries.”
Next Steps
Companies have found implementing the transition with their workforce easy to manage by:
- Describing the safety advantages of Type 2 helmets
- Presenting and discussing head injury statistics
- Highlighting the improved comfort factor
- Communicating the connection between better head protection and company values to eliminate serious injuries and fatalities
By making this change, you will not only meet legislative requirements but also champion worker safety—reducing serious injuries and enhancing comfort across construction sites.
To learn more, reach out to an SCSA advisor at scsaonline.ca
About the SCSA
The Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association is a non-profit organization funded by the construction industry to provide cost-effective safety training, programs and advice.
About the CFCSA
The Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations unites provincial and territorial construction safety associations to focus on promoting awareness of construction health and safety, improving information sharing and collaboratively producing workplace health & safety training standards and resources.