Summer is upon us again, an it seems like it was just yesterday that we were writing blogs on summer safety. While winter is over, there is now a more dangerous season ahead when it comes to the workplace. Although winter is uncomfortably cold, most people simply dress warm because they know how easy it is to catch frostbite while working outside. It seems as if our bodies tell us "nooo way you cannot deal with this cold" and so we dress accordingly for comfort. Yet, in the summer while we might dress accordingly, it can be much easier to misjudge our body's reactions and/or ability to deal with the heat. To put it simply, it's more likely that you'll suffer heat stress, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke while working during the summer than you will suffer from frostbite or hypothermia in the winter. The symptoms differ and many times we'll tell ourselves we can keep pushing on when our bodies literally cannot.
 
What we wanted to do here is make a quick review of a few things to remember, talk about amongst coworkers, employees or your employer in hopes of creating awareness about just how serious the summer heat can be.
 
1.) Make sure that you stay hydrated, especially during strenuous physical activity. Don't wait until lunch time to take a drink and try to stay away from sugary sodas and energy drinks as these can make us even more dehydrated. Talk to the boss or co-workers about a drink station or a shared cooler that scan be loaded with ice water to ensure everyone has access to fluids as needed. One great idea is to take a jug of water and throw it into the freezer each night. When you leave for work in the morning, bring it along. Keep it in the shade and slightly insulated with a shirt or something similar. As the ice slowly melts throughout the day, you'll have a good supply of icy cold water to hydrate as needed. Remember, sweating causes rapid fluid loss and during extreme temperatures this can severely limit your body's ability to cool itself.
 
2.) Avoid over-exertion. Make sure you take breaks as necessary, as the heat can be deadly under certain circumstances. If you're an employer, be sure to provide access to some sort of shade on the worksite and expect that your workers will need to break more often during extremely hot days. It's better to cool off intermittently than to try and tough it out, which will usually affect work performance as well. Make sure you pace yourself accordingly for working in severe heat because heat exhaustion and heat stroke can set in before you know it and by that time, it's already too late.
 
3.) Dress accordingly! There's an abundance of high visibility cooling gear and cooling products available to purchase that can drastically reduce your body temperature, reduce sun-exposure and keep you cooler and more comfortable throughout the work day. Look into these products and make the small investment to ensure you're health and comfort this summer. After all, we go to work so we can afford to enjoy life; not to end up injured or dead due to heat-related injuries.
 
Don't forget that the heat not only has the ability to negatively effect your body via heat stress, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, but it can also negatively affect your brain function which can lead to injuries that could otherwise be avoided. Getting lightheaded for a few seconds due to the heat might be all it takes for you to lose focus and end up in the path of danger from heavy equipment or hazardous machinery. Please, use your head, pay attention to your body and proceed accordingly during the hottest days of the summer months. You owe it to yourself! And as always, be sure to keep a friendly eye on your co-workers. If someone looks like they might be getting to hot or isn't looking well, tell them to take 10, rehydrate and get out of the sun. This is especially true for those co-workers who might be a bit stubborn and always reply with "No, no, I'm fine!" Teamwork is a large part to ensuring workplace safety! Do your part and you'll be productive, healthy and safe all summer long. 

Around the United States, the temperatures are really beginning to heat up. For those of us working outdoors or in extremely warm indoor environments, now is the time to devise a plan for staying cool and safe on the job this summer.
 
Working a job that requires high visibility safety gear can be difficult in the heat. Ideally, you want to wear as little clothing as you can to stay cool - but sometimes that's not possible, especially when working with chemicals or materials that require specialized protective gear. There are, however, plenty of measures that can be taken to keep yourself cool no matter how warm the workplace gets.
 
Stay Hydrated
This might be a given, but it's also one of the most important factors. During rigorous work, your body sweats and loses fluids. In the heat of the summer, your body will lose even more fluids than normal and you can quickly become dehydrated. Make sure there's plenty of fluids on the job and try to stay away from super-sugary beverages like sodas and energy drinks as they can cause you to become even more dehydrated. Water and electrolyte drinks are ideal. Freezing a jug of water the night before and bringing that along to work will ensure you have a good supply of cool water nearly all day.
 
Don't Overdo It
Overexertion is a key factor to heat stress and heat stroke. While our bodies can surely handle the work, they can't handle it during extremely warm temperatures. If the body begins to struggle to keep itself cool, you run the risk of suffering from heat stress, heat stroke or even death. These situations can appear rather quickly and aren't easy to immediately reverse so be sure to pace yourself when performing hard labor or repetitive heavy lifting. It's never a good idea to push your body to it's extreme limits on those very hot days.
 
Seek Shade
Extended periods of direct summer sunlight can really cause your body to heat up, especially when wearing safety gear. Combine that with hard labor and a high air temperature and you have the perfect recipe for disaster. Make sure that you seek shade as needed and if possible have an area on the jobsite for cooling down. Depending on the temperatures, you'll need to take short breaks in the shade at regular intervals to cool down and rehydrate.
 
Get Proper Gear
A pair of shorts and a hives t-shirt might seem like the perfect combo for working during the hottest days of summer, but you're still going to lose fluids, heat up and face the risk of overexertion. There is an abundance of high visibility cooling products that have been specially designed to help decrease your core temperature and keep you cool so you can perform safely in the work place. From moisture wicking fabrics that help sweat evaporate to liquid filled cooling vests that can be worn under heavy clothing, there's no shortage of high visibility cooling gear that makes working in the extreme heat safer and more comfortable.
 
Stay tuned and be sure to bookmark or subscribe to our blog. We'll be writing about new products each week and providing tips to help keep you cool and productive in the workplace this summer. 

Although the extreme heat of summer is still a couple months away, those scorching temperatures will be here before we know it. A day of hard work in an outdoor environment during the summer can be physically taxing, and in many cases quite dangerous. To make things easier while achieving a consistent level of comfort and safety, consider investing in the proper gear for the job this year.
 
Just as high visibility gear ensures you can be seen, 'cooling gear' is another important element of staying safe on the job. When the temperatures rise, manual labor an physical exertion can quickly catch up to you causing dehydration, heat stress and even heat stroke. Cooling gear aids in keeping your temperature at a stable level, preventing heat stress and ensuring you're as comfortable as possible when the temperatures reach extremes.
 
At HiVis Supply, we carry a complete inventory of high visibility cooling products which vary widely in use and serve a broad range of cooling needs for specific applications. We stock an assortment of head & neck gear, safety vests, shirts, hats and sun shades, heat stress/stroke rehabilitation products and even electrolyte drinks.
 
All of our heat stress and cooling products have been specifically designed with the worker in mind. Many of these products offer cutting-edge technology and materials to absorb moisture, enhance breathability and provide safe and effective alternatives to ordinary hi vis safety wear. Technology has come a long way in recent years and manufacturers are doing their best to develop functional, practical products to help deal with the blazing summer heat so you can focus your energy on your job.
 
Check out our High Visibility Cooling Gear today and discover the unique cooling products that will help make your summer work day a breeze. Our everyday low prices and free shipping on all orders over $150 are sure to keep you feeling cool in any situation!

If you've been a fan of our facebook page, you'd know that we've been running a product giveaway for the last few months. At the beginning of each month we choose a product and ask you to fill out a very short form to enter. At the end of that month, we randomly choose a and announce.
 
For our last giveaway in the month of June, we gave away a VIKING Journeyman 300D FR Surveyor's Safety Vest. The month before that, in May, we gave away an Ergodyne Low Profile Hydration Pack and in April, we gave away a pair of Bolle Hustler Polarized Safety Sunglasses.
 
This month, for July, we figured we should giveaway something geared toward workers who are constantly battling the heat while working outdoors or in extreme indoor environments. Thus, the Summer Survival Kit was born.
 
The Summer Survival Kit is a package containing a handful of very useful products that make working in the heat much more comfortable and bearable. We tried to put something together that would be an all-around answer to the stresses of working in those high summer temperatures, and we think we've achieved that. The Summer Survival Kit includes a little bit of everything, including:
 
- 1 pair of Bolle Lowrider Safety Glasses
- 1 Ergodyne CHILL-ITS Cooling Hat
- 1 Ergodyne CHILL-ITS Cooling Towel
- 1 Ergodyne CHILL-ITS Cooling Bandana
- 1 Package of Sqwincher Squeeze Pops
- 1 Package of Sqwincher Kwik Sticks
 
As you can see, the Summer Survival Kit contains cooling hat, eye protection, a cooling towel, a cooling bandana and some electrolyte packed refreshments to help you stay hydrated while performing the most strenuous tasks. The cooling gear from Ergodyne is water-activated and uses high performance fabrics that help keep you cool all day long.
 
The only thing better that we could think of to keep you cool and comfortable is a paid day off from work, relaxing in the A/C; but unfortunately we can't offer you that. What we can offer you though, is a chance to win this great gear for free!
 
To enter to win, head over to our facebook page and click on the HiVis Supply Giveaway Tab. Or, simply CLICK HERE. There you'll find a very short and simple form that you can fill out which will automatically enter you to win. Be sure to enter today, and be sure to stay cool this summer!
 

We know that there's a good number of workers whose jobs mandate the use of high visibility gear - and more specifically, we know that a lot of those jobs also require working outdoors. With summer quickly approaching, the temperatures are beginning to rise and before we know it we'll be in the dreaded dog days of summer. We also understand that staying cool while working in the extreme heat is an important safety factor, which is why we recently wrote a blog about avoiding heat stress in the workplace. However, there are additional safety measures that can be taken to help beat the summer heat, and one of those measures is making sure you're equipped with the proper gear.
 

High Visibility Cooling Products

There is a plethora of high visibility cooling products available and nearly all of them have been designed and developed with the worker in mind. From comfort to functionality, the manufacturers of these cooling products have utilized an array of industry input and new technology to bring you the most effective safety apparel available for those long summer work days. While it does come at a cost, the extra investment is worth every penny; you can't really put a price on safety. Cooling products are an important factor not only for comfort, but the prevention of heat-related illness.
 
Below, we'll take a look at some of the most popular and effective cooling products available and provide a brief description of what they have to offer. We'll also mention a couple common options and whether they're available to that specific product or not. Take a minute to read through the list and see for yourself if there's something that could benefit you at work this summer. Let's face it, you're going to spend a lot of time exposed to the heat while working this summer - you might as well be as comfortable as possible while doing so.
 

Hard Hat Sun Shields

Hard hat sun shields are a great hard hat accessory for those whose work requires prolonged exposure to the sun. They attach under or around practically any hard hat, providing shade to the back of the neck while decreasing the risk of sunburn. Made of lightweight materials, they are non-intrusive and offer excellent air circulation.
 
Hi-Vis/Reflective: Yes
Water-activated: Yes
FR Available: Yes
 

Hard Hat Cooling Pads & Towels

These items are also made specifically for use with hard hats. From moisture relieving head bands and towels to water-activated cooling pads that attach directly to the hat's suspension system, these products keep your head cool by reducing sweat and helping to eliminate excess body heat underneath your hard hat.
 
Hi-Vis/Reflective: N/A
Water-activated: Yes
FR Available: Yes
 

Bandanas, Headbands and Skull Caps

There are several different options available when it comes to cooling headwear. From bandanas and triangle hats to headbands, skullcaps, head wraps and ranger hats, there's never a shortage of choices.
 
Some of the headwear available is moisture wicking and is geared towards pulling sweat and moisture away from your skin where it can easily evaporate, thereby helping to keep you cool. Other items are water-activated and utilize specialty fabrics with unique absorbent qualities that hold and slowly release moisture over a period of hours, helping to keep you cool over a long period of time. Headwear is always made from the lightest materials possible to provide comfort and breathability. These products are perfect for using alone, but also work great underneath hard hats or baseball caps.
 
Hi-Vis/Reflective: Yes
Water-activated: Yes
FR Available: Yes
 

Cooling Vests

Cooling vests are a real godsend for some and there are quite a few different types available. From the average ultra-mesh safety vest to water activated and specialty cooling vests, there's a decent range of products to choose from depending on the level of cooling you need.
 
The water activated vests can be ran under water or quickly soaked, and offer hours to days (depending on the product) of extended cooling. The specialty fabrics don't allow for a quick release of moisture which means that they stay cool longer while slowly releasing cool air against the skin to reduce surface heat and sweat.
 
Other vests are intended for undergarment use and contain liquid and/or gel inserts that can be chilled or froze. The are geared more towards use where heavy clothing is required in situations of extreme heat. They apply consistent, long-term cooling that actually regulates the body temperature and prevents heat stress and stroke.
 
Hi-Vis/Reflective: Yes
Water-activated: Yes
FR Available: Yes
 

Electrolyte Drinks, Hydration Packs and More

In addition to the products that can be worn, there are also other accessories that are a mainstay for the outdoor worker when it comes to staying cool in the summer. Electrolyte drinks are one important item, as they deliver important hydration to your body during times of exertion where the body loses excess liquids from sweat and muscle use. It's highly important to have, at minimum, a decent amount of water on hand, although electrolyte drinks are preferred and recommended. Coolers, portable bottles and even wearable containers are available to offer mobility and ease of access for the liquids of your choice.
 
There are other products that come in handy too such as a portable shade tents and emergency cooling buckets. Many manufacturers offer specialty wear for the summer also, such as shorts and t-shirts that are not only hi-vis, but lightweight and ANSI compliant.
 
Hi-Vis/Reflective: Yes
Water-activated: Yes
FR Available: Yes
 

Get to the Point

Overall, the choice is yours. The information on avoiding heat stress and heat stroke is readily available, as are a bunch of great products that can be used in combination with best safety practices to ensure an increased level of comfort during uncomfortable temperatures. Use the heat stress prevention knowledge - as well as the product technology that's available - to your advantage. Don't be caught off guard in the heat and don't risk your health and well being. Think ahead, be safe and set a good example for everyone in the workplace. Remember, since heat-related illness is 100% preventable, the only way to guarantee your safety through prevention.
 
View a complete inventory of heat stress products on our website right now.

 

How to Avoid Heat Stress at Work

The outlook for the summer of 2013 looks like it's going to be quite a scorcher. While weather experts predict that an abundance of triple-digit record high temperatures will be broken around the globe, it's critical that outdoor workers and business owners keep themselves both informed and aware of the potentail dangers that are brought into play by the extreme heat.
 

• • An estimated 5 to 10 million workers are exposed each summer to heat-stress conditions in the USA.



• • 3,100 of those workers are inflicted with heat-related illness requiring emergency medical attention.



• • Over 1,300 people die each year in the US alone from heat-related factors. A majority of which are a direct result of overexertion during work or excercise activities.



• • Most importantly, 100% of these instances are 100% preventable.

 

What is heat Stress?

Heat stress, by definition is the strain put on the body by an increase in body heat. When the body heat rises, the heart beats faster. Ultimately, this can lead to an increase of the body's actual internal temperature.
 

How does it happen?

Heat Stress occurs from an increase in body heat. There are two factors (either alone or combined) that cause the body temperature to rise - an increase of internal heat caused by working muscles or an increase of external heat caused by various factors including weather, low ventilation, secondary heat sources, etc.
 

Who is most likely to be affected?

Those most likely to be affected by heat stress are:
 

• • Those who perform labor intensive duties outdoors in the sun or extreme heat


• • Those who perform labor intensive duties indoors where heat build-up becomes an issue due to insufficient cooling

 
These factors are compounded by certain jobs that require workers to wear heavy gear and/or protective clothing for safety reasons. While a 2 degree increase in body temperature can result in reduced brain performance, a 5 degree increase can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and even death.
 
Below are some of the most common jobs where people suffer from heat stress. High temperatures and vigorous labor associated with these jobs can quickly elevate body temperatures to a dangerous level with almost no warning:
 

• • Roofing


• • Road Construction


• • General Construction


• • Landscaping


• • Waste Hauling


• • Iron Work


• • Drilling


• • Mining


• • Oil Rigging


• • Railroad and Transportation


• • Glass work


• • Foundry Workers/Metal Workers


• • Manufacturing

 

Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke

Heat exhaustion is the body's natural, instinctive response to an excessive loss of water and salt. Generally, it is brought on by extensive sweating and the subsequent failure to rehydrate and allow for periods of cooling down. Symptoms include moist clammy skin, and slightly increased body temperature.
 
Heat Stroke occurs when the body has completely lost its ability to control its own temperature. This is usually the end result of heat exhaustion that has went unaddressed, or ignored. Symptoms of heat stroke include:
 

• • Extreme fatigue


• • Dry, hot skin


• • Excessive rise in body temperature

 
While the result of untreated heat exhaustion may include fainting and even lead to heat stroke, the result of heat stroke itself can be brain damage, cardiac arrest and even death.
 

Steps for Prevention

In order to reduce the chances of heat stress and prevent heat exhaustion and stroke, the following common sense rules should be practiced in the workplace.
 

• • Get used to the heat as early as possible. Spend time early in the season getting your heart-rate up and conditioning yourself for the extreme summer temperatures. While it's unecessarry to train like a prize-fighter, it's just plain ignorant to step outside one day in the high heat and heavy sun, expecting your body to perform vigorous activity without being at least slightly prepared.



• • Have ample amounts of fluids on hand and take breaks in a shaded area. During extreme physical exertion, you should let your body cool down and hydrate between performances - Make quick frequent breaks for cool-down and hydration a part of your routine.



• • Wear clothing that is breathable, loose fitting and provides proper ventilation. This includes using proper protection from the sun such as a sun hat, cooling bandana or other accessories. When heavy clothing is required for protection purposes, consider investing in specialty cooling gear that is designed specifically for those circumstances - it will be well worth it as you'll be able to perform your duties in a more comfortable fashion while reducing the risks to your health.



• • Try to adjust your schedule and form the workday so that the most strenuous activities can be performed during the cooler parts of the day. This includes being aware of your surroundings and using the angle of the sun to your benefit. (Exploit the convenient shade that is offered by tall buildings or other structures during certain hours of the day)



• • Keep an eye on your fellow workers for signs and symptoms of elevated heat stress. Many people ignore the warning signs and your observance & awareness could help save a life. Encourage others to stay hydrated and break regularly.



• • Educate! Education is one of the most critical tools for preventing heat stress and heat related illness. Without knowing how quickly it can happen and understanding the proper preventative measures, an individual cannot properly protect themselves.

 

Important: Recommended Best Practices

Make sure your coworkers and employer are both aware of the serious dangers posed by working in the extreme heat. Educate them verbally or with printed information. Work together to devise and develop a heat stress prevention plan that is agreeable for everyone, including supervisors, shift managers, foremen and contractors. Reasonable amounts of time should be made available to employees for breaks and hydration. There should be an understanding that those times will fluctuate by the day and/or hour, based on the temperature changes.
 
Additionally, employers are strongly urged to set a temperature cutoff point for work - this means that work will immediately cease (once the temp reaches your cutoff point) and not resume until the temperature has decreased beyond that point. Once an agreement is made, it should be verified in writing and distributed to everyone who is involved or affected.
 
It should be very clear that the procedure will be followed. It is highly important that NO WORKER should EVER push their body beyond its physical limitations solely because they're afraid of repercussions, retaliation or punishment by an employer - your health is the number one priority, without it you cannot work at all.
 

Stay Cool!

Utilize the best practices from above keep your workplace accident and incident free. It helps to ensure a safer work environment, happier workers and a better employer. Nobody wants to be hospitalized, nobody wants to see a co-worker suffer an injury and no employer wants to deal with the legalities that could arise. The best practice for everyone is to be safe instead of sorry.
 
For additional information, visit NIOSH's Workplace Safety and Health Topics Heat Stress Page on the CDC website. They offer a variety of resources, as well as a downloadable and printable cards that can be used as resources for heat stress prevention and emergency treatment.
 
To view a complete inventory of products specially designed to reduce Heat Stress, visit our Heat Stress Products page now.