When we think of working safely outdoors, steel-toed boots, hard hats, and high visibility workwear come to mind for many of us. In addition to these essential pieces of safety gear, it is also important to consider how the changing weather can impact outdoor safety.
“The spring and summer months can bring some additional challenges for folks who work outdoors. If you aren’t prepared, rain can interfere with your ability to do your work safely and high heat can itself become a health hazard. That’s why we stock a wide range of products that help those who work outdoors to adapt to changing weather,” says Austin Ertl, Inside Sales Representative with International Safety.
Staying Cool While Working Outdoors
Hot days are nice if you’re at the lake, but they can be dangerous if you’re working outside. Stay cool with specialized hard hats and ventilated work pants that are both designed to keep you safe and cool. You can also add a high visibility mesh sun shade to your hat that protects the back of your neck from the sun’s rays.
“There are hard hats available that use a special thermal barrier to keep the inside of the hat 11°C or 20°F cooler. This makes a big difference for those who work outdoors in direct sun. These types of hard hats are also made with a wider brim to add more shade, larger vents for better air flow, and a moisture-wicking sweat band,” says Austin.
The Right Gear for Working in the Rain
If you work outdoors, you know how quickly the weather can change. Austin suggests convertible rain gear so you are ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at you.
“A jacket like our 6-in-1 high visibility waterproof and windproof SureWerx works well because it is great for any weather. You can easily add or remove layers and even sleeves to adapt to any weather,” he says. “Anti-fog protective eyewear can also help you see better on those cool, rainy days.”
A Well-Stocked Work Bag
Even if you are wearing the right type of gear, you can still get overheated. It is a good idea to stock up your truck or work bag with cold packs and electrolyte drinks like Sqwinchers, especially if you’re sweating a lot.
“A few extra bottles of sunscreen and bug spray in your work bag is also a good idea. It is awfully uncomfortable to try to work while being burned by the sun or swarmed by mosquitos ,” says Austin.
International Safety here in Newmarket carries a huge range of safety equipment essentials for work and play. They can even supply organizations with branded equipment, including hot weather hard hats and high visibility rain gear.
As always, the team at International Safety is happy to deliver to the local community for free and often on the same day. For more information about spring and summer work gear, check them out online.