Protective headwear – Worn backwards or over a ball cap Legislative Interpretations

Question:
Am I allowed to wear my hard hat backwards?

Answer:
The answer is yes but under certain conditions. Section 40 requires the use of protective headwear to conform to CSA Z94.1-15 or equivalent. Clause 5.2.6 of the standard indicates that headwear is to be worn facing forward except when the job, task, or work environment necessitates wearing headwear backward. Examples include to accommodate other personal protective equipment like welding helmets or face shields, or to enhance visibility. Clause 5.2.6 also requires hard hats that can be worn backwards be tested in reverse orientation to ensure they provide the necessary protections to users. It is also necessary to confirm that the manufacturer allows the practice.

Question:
A number of employees wear a baseball cap under their hard hats at my workplace. Is this acceptable?

Answer:
Section 40 requires the use of protective headwear to conform to CSA Z94.1-15 or equivalent. Clause 5.7.4 of the standard indicates that baseball-style caps interfere with the ability of the hard hat’s suspension to work properly during an impact. As a result, to ensure they provide the necessary protection to users, baseball caps cannot be worn under hard hats.

Referenced legislation
40(1) On a project site, an employee shall use Class E, Type 2 headwear that conforms to CSA standard CSA Z94.1-15, “Industrial protective headwear – Performance, selection, care, and use” or a standard offering equivalent or better protection.

40(2) At a place of employment, other than a project site, where an employee is exposed to a hazard that may injure the employee's head, the employee shall use protective equipment that is appropriate to the hazard and that conforms to CSA standard CSA Z94.1-15, “Industrial protective headwear – Performance, selection, care, and use”, or a standard offering equivalent or better protection.