Shade is essential to staying cool and safe on the jobsite.
Shade is essential to staying cool and safe on the jobsite.
Suit Up for the Sun
“ Shade is essential to staying cool and safe on the jobsite,” says Jonathan Palley, CEO at Clever Tiny Homes.“ Working under canopies is a good idea whenever possible, but your clothing is also important here.”
In fact, the wrong clothes can turn a tough job into a miserable one. Heavy cotton acts like a sweat sponge, and dark colors soak up heat faster than blacktop in July.
“ Light colors, long sleeves and breathable fabrics are key,” says Bar Zakheim, CEO of Better Place Design & Build.
“ I steer my employees away from anything heavy, like denim, and encourage them to bring at least one change of lighter clothes with them. This makes it easier to adapt to conditions. In terms of PPE [ personal protective equipment ], hardhats with built-in sun visors are a great choice, as are breathable steeltoed shoes.”
Along with lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that pull sweat away from skin, some workwear brands offer built-in sun protection with UVblocking technology without adding extra layers.
Vented hard hats improve airflow and sweat-wicking gloves help hands-on workers get a grip on even the hottest days. For those laboring in extreme heat, cooling vests can be a game-changer— just soak them in water, and they help regulate body temperature for hours.