
As temperatures rise, workplaces face new challenges, especially those in high-heat environments. Whether working outdoors or in factories with limited ventilation, excessive heat can lead to decreased productivity, fatigue, and serious health risks.
With National Heat Awareness Day on May 30th, now is the time to assess workplace conditions and provide workers with the right personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure safety and comfort throughout the summer.
Understanding Heat Stress
Heat stress occurs when the body struggles to regulate temperature, leading to:
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
- Dizziness
- Heat Stroke
When workers are exposed to extreme heat for prolonged periods, the risk of heat-related illnesses increases significantly.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), between 5 million and 10 million American workers are exposed to outdoor heat beyond safe levels each year (epa.gov). The consequences can be severe, but proper education and selecting the right personal protective equipment (PPE) can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related injuries.
For more insights into heat stress, check out our recent blog: Mastering Heat Stress: Your Guide to Workplace Safety.
Your Summer PPE Checklist
Stay ahead of heat stress with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) designed to keep you cool, comfortable, and protected in high-temperature conditions.
What to Prioritize This Season:
Moisture-Wicking High-Visibility Apparel
High-visibility safety apparel is a must-have when working in low-light conditions or around heavy machinery. During the summer months, choose moisture-wicking, lightweight fabrics that are designed to pull sweat away from the body, keeping you cool, dry, and comfortable.
Recommended Products:
🔗 C16620G Class 2 Short Sleeve T-Shirt
🔗 C16621G Class 2 Short Sleeve Segmented Heat Transfer Tape T-Shirt
🔗 C16730G Class 3 Long Sleeve T-Shirt
🔗 C16731G Class 3 Long Sleeve Hooded Segmented Heat Transfer Tape T-Shirt
Cooling Towels
Cooling towels provide a fast and effective way to combat heat stress, enabling workers to stay cool and comfortable in high-temperature environments. Our Blue PVA Cooling Towel is designed to keep you cool for over 5 hours, depending on humidity levels. Soak, wring, and wear around the neck or head for instant relief.
Recommended Products:
🔗 1930B Blue PVA Cooling Towel
ANSI Z87.1+ Compliant Safety Eyewear
Protecting your eyes from harmful sun exposure is as crucial as protecting your skin. Opt for safety glasses with full-spectrum UV protection to reduce eye strain, glare, and long-term damage.
Our BrandX™ X6 & X7 series feature Hydrophilic anti-fog technology, which absorbs moisture and distributes it evenly across the lens to prevent fogging—ideal for humid environments with temperature fluctuations.
For added protection, our 1764RG full-frame safety glasses feature polarized lenses that minimize excessive brightness and enhance visibility in outdoor work conditions.
Recommended Products:
🔗 X6 Premium Semi-Rimless Safety Eyewear
🔗 X7 Premium Rimless Safety Eyewear
🔗 1764RG Polarized Lens Full Frame Safety Glasses
Full Brim and Vented Cap Hard Hats
Hard hats are critical to workplace safety. Full-brim models provide added sun protection, shielding the face, neck, and ears from direct UV exposure while maintaining essential safety coverage. Vented designs enable better air circulation, helping to regulate temperature and alleviate discomfort.
Recommended Products:
🔗 1416R Full Brim Style Hard Hat
🔗 1426R Vented Cap Style Hard Hat
ECODEX Eco-Friendly Coated Safety Gloves
Choosing the right safety gloves is key to ensuring both protection and comfort. ECODEX gloves, featuring Air-urea™ coating technology, provide 360° breathability, helping regulate body temperature while keeping hands cool, dry, and comfortable for extended wear.
The ECODEX General Purpose Glove line offers three options tailored for lightweight, medium-weight, and heavy-weight protection.
For advanced safety, the ECODEX Cut Resistant Glove line delivers protection against medium-high to extreme cut hazards, with ratings ranging from A5 to A9.
Recommended Products:
🔗 H7SF300 Light Weight General Purpose Gloves
🔗 H7300 Medium Weight General Purpose Gloves
🔗 H7400 Heavy Weight General Purpose Gloves
🔗 H76005 ANSI A5 Cut-Resistant Gloves
🔗 H76007 ANSI A7 Cut-Resistant Gloves
🔗 H76009 ANSI A9 Cut-Resistant Gloves
High-Visibility Neck Shades
Stay cool and protected on the job with neck shades designed to attach securely to hard hats. These shades provide extra coverage for the neck, blocking direct sunlight to reduce heat absorption and prevent sunburn—making them an essential part of any heat stress prevention plan.
Liberty Safety neck shades are available in high-visibility green and orange, ensuring you stay both cool and seen on the job site.
Recommended Products:
🔗 NS161G | NS161F Cap Style Hard Hat Neck Shade
🔗 NS162G | NS162F Full Brim Hard Hat Neck Shade
Stay Safe, Stay Cool
With the right PPE, you can protect your workforce from heat-related injuries. Don’t wait until the summer heat makes an impact— take proactive measures now to reduce the risk of heat stress and improve workplace safety.
🔗 Need expert recommendations? Explore our full lineup of summer-ready PPE solutions here.
Your Safety is our Priority. It’s all part of our Freedom in Full Gear Promise!