Hard hat maker JSP has issued a stark and urgent warning to procurers, site managers and users of safety helmets to check them immediately to make sure they are genuine, following the discovery of dangerously poor-quality imported counterfeits.

According to the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF), the outer shell of the fake helmets can be pulled apart by hand.

The bogus helmets are identifiable by the marks ‘Burly’ and ‘MkII’ under the peak (see BSIF pictures on the right).

These helmets are not manufactured by JSP and are copies of JSP’s well-known MkII® safety helmet, which it has been manufacturing in the UK for more than 35 years.

All genuine JSP safety helmets are of outstanding quality and durability. They not only comply with but significantly exceed relevant international performance standards. JSP manufactures helmets under ISO9001:2008 and under the British Standard Institute’s kitemark scheme.

As a reputable and responsible manufacturer, JSP is also a member of the BSIF’s Registered Safety Supplier Scheme, giving peace of mind and confidence to all its customers.

Matthew Judson, JSP’s director of technical support, says its genuine safety helmets can be identified by JSP’s name being branded into the helmet. The user information leaflet is original (not a photocopy that is not square on the page, like the fakes), correctly spelt in multiple languages and with the manufacture’s contact details listed. The helmets are a consistent colour with clear markings.

Fakes are offered at low prices, which ought to be a warning. If you suspect a fake, JSP invites you to contact it on technical.service@jsp.co.uk or 01993 826051.

Cheap counterfeit PPE is a growing problem. “If someone had been wearing a bogus helmet and an object had fallen on their head they could be dead,” says Matthew Judson. “Fakes can kill.”