Skiers and snowboarders in Canada are not adequately protected by the helmets on the market, and the federal government should implement better safety standards, states an editorial in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
Helmet use in Canada for sports is increasing, but the quality of helmets does not meet Canadian standards, despite the release of new standards in 2009 by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Canadians currently must use helmets that meet less stringent US and European standards. Helmets that meet the new CSA standards would be made to withstand multiple impacts and have foam that would fit different head sizes and weights to provide superior protection for a variety of head impacts.
"Helmets are a no-brainer," writes Barbara Sibbald, Deputy Editor, CMAJ. "Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death and catastrophic injury among those who ski and snowboard."
Sibbald calls for the application of the same standards for hockey helmets to helmets used by skiers and snowboarders. "Health Canada has ruled that all hockey helmets advertised, imported or sold in Canada must meet the CSA standards. Oddly, they have not done the same for ski and snowboard helmets."
"Heads-up federal government, it's high time to establish a regulation so that skiers and snowboarders know that helmets purchased in Canada actually provide adequate protection."
Journal
Canadian Medical Association Journal