The future of hard hats is coming to Canadian job sites

Few images are more iconic in construction than the hard hat.

Originally adapted from World War I military helmets into a steamed-canvas safety cap for miners, it quickly found its place on construction sites in the 1930s—becoming mandatory on landmark projects like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hoover Dam.

Its design and role in the industry has continued to evolve. What was once considered optional gear is now an essential part of a worker’s protection, as PPE standards grow and advance. On the horizon is the next evolution in head protection, the Type II safety helmet. Featuring chin straps and advanced impact resistance, these helmets deliver a new level of safety and stability far beyond traditional hard hats.

Soon, for many job sites, Type II helmets—and their chin straps—won’t be optional. The Canadian Construction Safety Council (CCSC), established in 2024 by the country’s largest construction firms, will be mandating that all employees wear Type II helmets. Beginning in 2026, this requirement will also apply to all trade partners, signaling a major shift toward stronger, more consistent head protection standards across the industry.

At the forefront of facilitating this shift are PPE designers and manufacturers like Delta Plus. A global PPE manufacturer providing head-to-toe protection in over 110 countries, Delta Plus has its Canadian headquarters located in Ontario. Built on the principles of protection, comfort, and design, Delta Plus products are developed and tested by expert R&D teams to ensure innovation and reliability. With these changes on the horizon, Delta’s team is looking to meet demand and clarify standards.

“Hard hats have been a workplace requirement since the 1960s, primarily protecting the top of the head,” said Julie St. John, Product Specialist, Delta Plus. “Today, while safety knowledge and available head protection options have grown, the styles and variety can be confusing.”

She explained that the push to modernize hard hats comes from the growing complexity and diverse hazards found on today’s construction sites. Traditional Type 1 helmets, designed only for top impacts, often fall short in environments where workers face risks from multiple directions. On sites with higher chances of slips, trips, and falls, upgraded Type 2 helmets—with added protection from side, front, and rear impacts, plus secure chin straps—offer a much safer solution.

She added that as companies are poised to swap over to Type 2 Helmets, worker safety and compliance are paramount. That’s why Delta Plus has gone above and beyond designing their hard hats.

“We ensure all our head protection is rigorously certified to the highest North American safety mandates,” said St. John. “As an ISO-certified manufacturer, Delta Plus controls the entire production process in-house. This dedication to strict quality assurance, combined with our specialized in-house lab and certified ISO procedures, guarantees high quality, often allowing us to exceed standard testing requirements.” 

The pinnacle of Delta Plus’ hard hat technology is the Americana Climbing Peak Type 2. It boasts multi-directional energy absorbing EPS foam liner, a 4-point chin strap, low profile shell and short peak, one-hand adjustment and accessory slots for goggles, earmuffs and more. 

At the core of Delta’s safety strategy is making PPE comfortable for workers. All the standards, technology and equipment won’t matter if they aren’t used. 

Delta has also worked to ensure their hard hats meet both CSA and ANSI mandates. St. John explained that this dual certification serves two primary goals: Safety and user confidence. 

“By meeting both standards, our products undergo a comprehensive and rigorous testing protocol, covering the subtle differences in temperature and conditioning tests required by each body,” she said. “This robust testing signals to safety managers and end-users that the head protection meets the strictest minimum legal requirements both in Canada and the U.S., providing workers with maximum confidence in their gear.”

To request a free sample of a type 2 helmet with chin straps from delta plus, visit this link.