In Wuhan, workers on construction sites are often seen wearing cheap safety helmets that look more like plastic caps than protective gear. Some of these helmets cost as little as 8 yuan, and they lack basic safety features such as a proper cushioning system, manufacturer information, or quality certification. These substandard products are being sold in bulk to construction companies, putting workers at risk.
Xiao Xu, a construction worker in Hongshan District, once bought two hard hats for 8 yuan from a local hardware store after losing his own. Upon inspection, he noticed the helmets had no license numbers, no internal padding, and were made of thin plastic. When he wore one during work, it cracked almost instantly when it fell from the second floor, leaving him exposed to serious danger.
Recent reports indicate that many low-quality helmets have entered the market, particularly from coastal provinces like Guangdong and Zhejiang. These products often bypass national quality inspections and lack essential labels such as production dates or standard numbers. Some are sold for as low as 4 yuan, making them attractive to cost-conscious construction firms.
According to shop owners, these cheap helmets are popular among contractors who buy them in large quantities. The materials vary: the cheapest are made from recycled plastic, while higher-quality options use ABS resin or fiberglass. However, the lowest-cost models offer minimal protection and are often used by workers who have no choice but to wear them.
Master Wang Huanggang, a veteran construction worker with nearly a decade of experience, shared his frustration. “The cheap helmet is just a sun hat,†he said. “If you don’t wear it on site, you’ll be fined. Buying an expensive one isn’t worth it, so we just try to be careful.â€
China has strict regulations for safety helmets, including tests for high and low temperatures and impact resistance. Yet, enforcement remains weak. Some construction companies outsource helmet procurement to third-party contractors without verifying their quality. This creates a loophole that allows unsafe products to remain on the market.
Multiple government departments are responsible for overseeing safety helmets—quality supervision, industry and commerce, and construction authorities—but poor-quality products still persist. Experts suggest that only through coordinated efforts and long-term solutions can this issue be effectively addressed.
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