Fake hard hats prompt UK safety warning

Safety equipment manufacturer JSP has warned building sites to watch out for counterfeit hard hats after fakes were found in the UK.

The counterfeits reportedly split or crack in two when hand pressure is applied to the outer shell. An alert from the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) called the fake ‘burly’ or ‘MkII’ branded hard hats ‘extremely dangerous’

BSIF believes the helmets originated in Asia or the Middle East. They are distinguishable by the aforementioned ‘burly’ or ‘MkII’ markings under the peak. Matthew Judson, director of technical support at JSP, also told users to check ‘JSP’ is branded into helmet and paperwork is original.

The rise in fake safety equipment has prompted BSIF to set up a registered supplier scheme. To display the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier (RSS) logo firms must sign a binding declaration. A list of RSS-approved companies is available on the BSIF website.


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