Type 2 Helmets

What Is Changing?

Beginning July 1, 2026, subcontractors working on CCSC-member construction sites will be required to wear:

✔ CSA- or ANSI-certified Type 2 safety helmets
✔ Integrated chin straps designed to keep the helmet securely in place
✔ Head protection that provides enhanced protection against both top and side impacts

This change reflects a growing industry commitment to improving worker safety and reducing serious head injuries caused by falls, slips, trips, and lateral impacts.

Who Does This Affect?

The new requirements apply to:

General construction subcontractors
Electrical contractors
Utility contractors
Roofing contractors
Concrete contractors
Landscape and site service contractors
Restoration contractors
Visitors and workers on CCSC-member project sites

If your crews work on projects managed by CCSC-member organizations, they will need compliant Type 2 helmets before the July 1, 2026 implementation date.

Why Type 2 Helmets?

Feature	Type 1 Hard Hat	Type 2 Helmet
Top-impact protection	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Side-impact protection	✕ No	✓ Yes
Integrated chin strap	✕ Rarely	✓ Yes
Stays secure during falls/slips/trips	✕ Not guaranteed	✓ Yes
CCSC-member site compliant (July 1, 2026)	✕ No	✓ Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Type 2 hard hat?

A Type 2 hard hat or safety helmet provides protection against impacts to both the top and sides of the head. Traditional Type 1 hard hats are designed primarily for top-impact protection.

Why are chin straps required?

Integrated chin straps help keep helmets securely positioned during slips, trips, falls, and other incidents where traditional hard hats may become dislodged.

When do the new requirements take effect?

The CCSC transition takes effect July 1, 2026.

Does this requirement apply to all construction sites in Canada?

No. The current CCSC Type 2 helmet requirement applies specifically to subcontractors working on CCSC-member construction sites.

At this time, not all construction projects across Canada require Type 2 helmets. Requirements may vary depending on the project owner, general contractor, province, or employer.

If you are unsure whether the requirement applies to your jobsite, we recommend contacting your site supervisor, safety manager, or project manager for clarification.

How do I know if my jobsite is affected?

The best way to confirm site-specific PPE requirements is to speak directly with your site supervisor, safety manager, general contractor, or project owner.

While many CCSC-member projects will require Type 2 helmets beginning July 1, 2026, individual sites may have additional requirements or implementation timelines.

Will Type 2 helmets become the standard across the construction industry?

Many safety organizations, contractors, and project owners now recognize Type 2 helmets with integrated chin straps as a best practice for worker protection.

While the current CCSC requirement applies only to CCSC-member sites, the industry trend is clearly moving toward wider adoption of Type 2 head protection due to its improved protection against both top and side impacts and improved helmet retention.

As a result, workers can expect to see Type 2 helmet requirements continue to expand across construction and other industries in the coming years.

Why are more companies moving to Type 2 helmets?

Traditional Type 1 hard hats are designed primarily to protect against impacts from above. Type 2 helmets provide additional protection against side impacts and feature integrated chin strap systems that help keep the helmet securely in place during slips, trips, falls, and other incidents.

For this reason, many organizations now consider Type 2 helmets to be a best practice and are adopting them even where they are not yet specifically required.

Are additional Type 2 helmet requirements expected in the future?

Yes. The construction industry is continuing to move toward Type 2 helmets with integrated chin straps as a recognized best practice for worker protection. As a result, workers and employers can expect to see broader adoption of Type 2 helmet requirements across construction and other industries in the coming years.

One example is Ontario, where new regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2027. Under these requirements, workers, contractors, and site visitors on Ontario construction projects will be required to wear CSA- or ANSI-certified Type 2 helmets with side-impact protection and chin straps where site conditions expose workers to lateral impact hazards or could cause a helmet to become dislodged.

As regulations and company safety standards continue to evolve, many organizations are choosing to transition to Type 2 helmets now to improve worker protection and prepare for future requirements.

Can I order helmets for an entire crew?

Yes. We offer bulk pricing for orders of 10+ helmets and can assist with outfitting crews of all sizes.