Expert advice / Guide
Hot weather & heat-stress PPE
Heat stress shows up as poor judgement before it shows up as collapse. The PPE you issue in July should not be the same as January.
Switch to breathable hi-vis
Mesh-back vests and lightweight EN20471 polos cut heat retention without dropping visibility. Avoid heavyweight jackets unless wind or rain demand them.
Cooling base layers work
Phase-change and evaporative cooling vests have come a long way. For workers in PPE coveralls (e.g. spray, asbestos, lab), they materially reduce core temperature.
Sun and skin
UV is an occupational hazard. Issue SPF 30+ sunscreen, neck flaps for hard hats, and UV-rated safety eyewear for outdoor crews.
Hydration is PPE
Branded water bottles + scheduled hydration breaks reduce heat-related incidents more than any single garment. Build them into the toolbox talk.