28 BUILD MANITOBA winnipegconstruction.ca CSAM NEWS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CSAM Construction Safety Standards Continue to Evolve in Manitoba Construction safety legislation is continually evolving to reflect changing workplaces, emerging risks and growing expectations around worker protection. Across Manitoba, recent and upcoming legislative amendments are reinforcing an important reality for employers and workers alike: safety standards are advancing, and the industry must keep pace. Over the past year, Manitoba has introduced or announced several significant Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) changes affecting all industries, including construction. These WSH legislative changes include amendments related to asbestos management, psychologically safe workplaces, access to menstrual products, training standards and upcoming requirements for hot water handwashing at certain construction projects. Collectively, these changes reflect a broader shift towards prevention, worker well-being and more comprehensive approaches to health and safety on Manitoba jobsites. Additionally, we are also seeing a broadening approach to the implementation of safety and health best practices within the national construction landscape. One of the most visible examples of this shift is the growing transition towards enhanced head protection requirements. As of July 1, 2026, many construction sites across Manitoba – including projects led by major contractors such as PCL, EllisDon and Bird Construction – will require workers, subcontractors and visitors to wear CSA Type 2 protective headwear equipped with integrated four-point chin straps. Unlike traditional Type 1 hard hats, which are designed primarily for impacts to the top of the head, Type 2 helmets protect from impacts to the front, rear, sides and top of the head. Integrated chin straps also help ensure the helmet remains secure during falls, slips, high winds and other dynamic jobsite conditions. This transition aligns with growing research surrounding traumatic brain injuries in construction and reflects an industry-wide movement towards stronger protective equipment standards. National organizations, including the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA), have publicly supported the transition to Type 2 helmets as part of broader efforts to reduce serious head injuries across the industry. At the same time, Manitoba employers must continue ensuring that their safety programs, policies, training and protective equipment remain aligned with evolving legislation and project requirements. Workers also play a critical role in this, through participating in their company safety and health management system and actively identifying, communicating and controlling hazards they encounter. This would include following company procedures, hazard assessments, inspections, training and properly using the protective equipment provided to them. The construction industry has always adapted to new technologies, new standards and new expectations. Today’s legislative changes are another step forward in building safer, healthier and more resilient workplaces for Manitoba construction workers. Sean Scott Executive Director Construction Safety Association of Manitoba For more information about CSAM’s services and programs, visit their offices at 1447 Waverley Street in Winnipeg or 950 10th Street in Brandon, or contact us at safety@constructionsafety.ca.
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