It's a no brainer: wear CSA-approved hard hats only!

I was on a flat commercial roof this week, on the invite of the contractor. His work site was 30 foot up and it became apparent to me as I climbed his ladder that safety was priority: his ladder was tied down top and bottom and extended three feet above the landing surface. Once up on the roof I could see other safety restraint measures in place like the fall arrest barrier completely surrounding the perimeter and secured way beyond the minimum requirements under the law. 

I then noticed everyone was wearing nice new white hard hats, but it turned out these recently-acquired safety devices were not CSA-approved. They were bought at a big box store. Why such companies are allowed to sell these inferior safety devices is a crime. They don’t even have a disclaimer sign on the  shelf warning buyers to be aware.

All safety equipment used on jobsites has to be CSA-approved. Their standards are designed to best protect workers’ health and safety. I personally only recommend North American equipment that carries the CSA stamp of approval. Recently I’ve noticed some made-in-China safety equipment carrying the CSA stamp. Here everyone must make their own choice of what they buy. My choice is simple: if a country can let baby formula containing melamine slip under its radar, or export children’s toys covered in lead paint, am I seriously going to put my health and safety in their hands?  

Toll free 1-866-366-2930

Email alec@carahs.org