EllisDon has announced that as of January 1, everyone who works on or visits one of its jobsites must wear a Type 2 hard hat.

The company started implementing the use of Type 2 hard hats across their operations for its employees three years ago. It says the change was well received, and now the requirement is being expands to all individuals on EllisDon sites.

"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." 

Traumatic brain injuries remain a leading cause of construction-related fatalities, accounting for approximately 25% of deaths, with falls responsible for 68% of these injuries. Research confirms that Type 2 hard hats with integrated retention systems provide significantly greater protection, reducing the risk of serious or fatal head injuries. 

Key benefits of Type 2 hard hats with chin straps include greater resistance to impacts from the top, front, side and rear of the head, a more secure fit using a chin strap that keeps the hard hat in place during slips, falls, high winds or awkward positions, and reduced rise of the hat itself becoming a falling-object hazard.