Type 2 Helmet Adoption on Construction Sites

As one of North America’s largest construction firms, EllisDon recently set a new safety standard for its worksites. Starting January 1, 2026, the company requires everyone on-site, from subcontractors to visitors, to wear Type 2 hard hats with integrated chin straps.

"Our commitment to safety is non-negotiable,” said Kieran Hawe, President & Chief Executive Officer, EllisDon. “By expanding and mandating hard hat requirements to everyone on our sites, we are taking a critical step toward eliminating preventable and traumatic head injuries. We encourage the entire industry to join us in raising the bar for head protection and safeguarding the lives of those who build our communities." (EllisDon, 2026)

What is a Type 2 Hard Hat?

The primary difference between a Type 1 and a Type 2 hard hat lies in the direction of impact protection.

• Type 1: Designed exclusively to protect the wearer from vertical impacts. If a hammer falls from a scaffold directly onto the crown of your head, a Type 1 hat is tested to reduce that force.
• Type 2: Engineered for 360-degree protection. In addition to top-impact testing, Type 2 helmets are tested for lateral impacts, including blows to the front, back, and sides of the head. These helmets typically feature a high-density foam liner (similar to a bicycle or motorcycle helmet) that absorbs energy from all angles.

The Critical Role of the Chin Strap

A helmet only works if it stays on. Companies like PCL Construction are also prioritizing enhanced worker safety by transitioning to Type 2 safety helmets equipped with integrated chin straps. This shift replaces traditional hard hats with superior head protection that meets new industry benchmarks for jobsite safety.

Statistics show that during a slip, trip, or fall, a traditional hard hat often flies off the worker's head before they even hit the ground. An integrated chin strap ensures the Type 2 helmet remains securely in place during the entire fall sequence, providing the protection it was designed for at the moment of impact.

CSA and ANSI Standards

In Canada, we use CSA Z94.1, while Americans use ANSI Z89.1, both of which are similar in scope. Canadian worksites specifically look for the CSA mark. Type 2 helmets must undergo rigorous "off-centre" impact testing and penetration resistance tests that Type 1 models simply aren't designed to pass.

Reducing the Toll of TBIs

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) account for approximately 25% of all construction-related fatalities. While Type 1 hats do an excellent job of stopping falling bolts, they do very little to protect a worker who trips over a conduit and strikes the side of their head against a concrete column. The "energy-based safety" approach adopted by industry leaders like EllisDon emphasizes that most accidents aren't vertical; they are dynamic, messy, and involve lateral forces.

The Benefits of Upgrading to a Type 2 Helmet:

• Lateral Protection: Essential for sites with moving heavy equipment, swinging loads, or tight quarters where side-impacts are likely.
• Fall Protection: By keeping the helmet secured via the chin strap, you mitigate the secondary impacts of the head hitting the floor or a structure after a fall.
• Liability Reduction: Proactively adopting higher safety standards reduces the risk of catastrophic injury claims.

Compliance Checklist for Contractors and Workers

1. Identify the Marking: A compliant helmet must have a permanent label inside the shell indicating it is CSA Z94.1 Type 2.
2. Understand "Class E": Class E (Electrical) is tested to withstand up to 20,000 volts. Most Canadian industrial sites require Class E because it offers the highest level of protection against unforeseen electrical hazards, making it the most versatile choice for general contractors.
3. Maintenance and Inspection: Type 2 helmets contain foam liners that can degrade over time. Workers should inspect their gear daily for:
   • Cracks or dents in the outer shell.
   • Compression or "crunching" of the inner foam liner.
   • Fraying or damage to the 4-point chin strap.
4. Expiry: Most manufacturers recommend replacing the suspension straps inside the helmet every 12 months and the shell every 2–5 years, depending on use.
5. Approved Accessories Only: Never drill holes in a Type 2 helmet to add a lamp or a face shield. Only use manufacturer-approved accessories that snap into the universal slots. Adding unapproved gear can void the safety certification and the manufacturer’s warranty.
6. Training and Fitment: A Type 2 helmet is only effective if worn correctly. Train your team to adjust the helmet for a snug fit and to tension the chin strap so it’s comfortable but secure.

Featured Type 2 Hard Hats from Worksite Safety

At Worksite Safety, we carry the industry’s top-rated Type 2 Class E helmets.

Milwaukee BOLT 4-Point Front Brim Safety Helmet

These helmets are designed from the ground up to integrate with headlamps, face shields, and ear muffs. They feature a padded suspension for long-shift comfort. Perfect for professionals who need to integrate multiple pieces of PPE (lights, visors) into a single, cohesive system.

The Mont-Blanc Type II

A favourite for its classic "cap style" look combined with modern Type 2 protection. The Mont-Blanc features a high-density polyethylene shell and a comfortable 4-point nylon suspension. It is specifically designed to keep water off the back of the neck. Ideal for general construction and workers who prefer a lightweight feel without sacrificing lateral safety.

The Dynamic Safety Stromboli Hardhat

For those working in high-heat environments or near welding stations. Its shell is made of heat-resistant polycarbonate, which can withstand higher temperatures than standard HDPE. Best for welders, electricians, and industrial applications involving high-heat exposure.