How to Choose the Right Summer Workwear for Construction Work

For many construction companies, summer is the busiest season. Summer tends to bring the highest number of construction projects, both commercial and residential. However, summer also brings unique challenges when it comes to staying comfortable, cool, and safe, most especially for construction workers. Therefore, it is important to choose protective gear that works well for the season.

Research says that there were over 36,000 deaths in Australia, associated with the heat between 2006 and 2017. This equates to about 2% of total deaths in Australia for this period.  Below are some tips on how to stay safe during the summer season:

Choose Light Workwear

Construction employers and workers know that light and bright colours are great for visibility. This is because they reflect most of the light (regardless of if it is sunlight or artificial light from a lamp, flashlight, or vehicle) and absorb relatively little. On the other hand, darker colours are the opposite; they blend into the background because most of the light that hits them is absorbed.

Wearing light-coloured workwear and loosely fitting clothing can help keep you stay cooler, even when you’re in the sun. 

If your business has a dark-coloured uniform, consider swapping it out for something lighter during the summer months.

Choose breathable footwear

Breathability and comfortability also apply to what you wear on your feet. Shoes or work boots with breathable lining will help to maximise comfort in hotter temperatures, while lightweight safety footwear designs are a better option for Summer than weightier traditional steel toe-capped styles.

Wear safety sunglasses

The summer sun is no joke to your eyes either. UV exposure can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and astigmatism. Wearing protective eyewear that blocks at least 99% of ultraviolet rays will help protect your eyes from degenerating over time.

The best type of safety glasses during the summer season are polarized sunglasses. This type of eyewear protection is known for its ability to block bright and reflected light, which makes them popular among people who spend time outdoors.  

Apply sunscreen

Construction workers spend a lot of their time outside in the elements, so they must consider sun protection. This is something that is sometimes overlooked by companies but is something that a worker should consider on their own.

Applying appropriate sunscreen can be important, as well as wearing UPF clothing and working out of the sun as much as possible. This not only will protect your skin, but also help you battle the heat.

Wear a bucket hat

Keeping the sun off the neck, head, and face is highly important, but trapping in extra heat during the summer months can make a brutally hot day even worse. Some workers turn to breathable or cooling bucket hats or other wide brim hats.

Regardless of the season, the safety workwear construction workers wear should meet the safety standards set forth for that job. Most of the time, that means that there should be sufficient protection for the eyes, ears, head, hands, and feet.

Southland Supply Group helps workers feel comfortable and safe while they work. Explore various construction workwear options to find the clothing that’s right for you and your team.