Protective Clothing And The Heatwave

While it’s understandable in some jobs that you need to be in protective clothing, regardless of the temperature, it’s well worth considering how this can impact your employees.

A recent article for Personnel Today pointed out that when our brains get hot, we find it harder to function. That means that employers should be doing all they can to keep their workers at a comfortable temperature, within reason.

Depending on the reason you need to wear hivis workwear and the environment you’re operating in, there may be an opportunity to swap heavy garments out for looser items. Choosing tops or trousers made from a lightweight and breathable material can also help.

If your staff spend much of their day outside, high-visibility garments can serve a dual purpose. In addition to ensuring they can be easily seen, these items of clothing can also provide protection from the sun.

Encourage your staff to wear sunscreen on any exposed skin, to take regular breaks and to drink plenty of water - four to six glasses per day is recommended.

Earlier this year, we stressed the need to provide your workers with different garments for different conditions. In the winter, bulky and thick jackets and trousers will be welcomed, but you need to ensure that you have lighter options available for when the sun comes out, as it has done this week.

Another thing to consider at this time of year is starting work a little earlier so that people can do more in the cooler parts of the day. Think about getting people to come in early in the morning and take a break in the hottest part of the day, returning in the early evening when temperatures have dropped a little.