Heat stress is a silent threat every time you step onto a jobsite in hot weather. This threat is especially prominent when you’re wearing workwear that weighs you down. Fortunately, this guide to preventing heat stress with hi-vis workwear will provide you with the information you need to know so you can return home safely after every shift.
Recognize the Warning Signs
Your body sends clear signals when it struggles to regulate temperature. Heat stress progresses through several stages, and recognizing early symptoms allows you to take action before the situation becomes dangerous.
Some early signs you may be experiencing heat stress include:
- Excessive sweating followed by a sudden stop in sweating
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Irritability
During this stage, your heart rate may increase, and you might feel weak or fatigued beyond what your workload typically causes.
This next stage, heat exhaustion, is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness
Additionally, your skin may feel cool and moist despite the hot conditions.
After heat exhaustion comes heat stroke, which constitutes a medical emergency that requires immediate medical care. Symptoms include:
- High body temperature (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Altered mental state
- Hot and dry skin (though sweating may still occur)
- Rapid pulse
- Potential loss of consciousness
If you or a coworker experiences these symptoms on the job, call 911 immediately.
Stay Hydrated With Strategic Fluid Management
Proper hydration starts before you begin work and continues throughout your shift. Drink 16 to 24 ounces of water two hours before starting work, then consume six to eight ounces every 15 to 20 minutes during work, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
During most work activities, water is your best choice for hydration. However, if you sweat heavily for more than two hours, sports drinks containing electrolytes help replace sodium and other minerals lost through perspiration.
Alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks can all contribute to dehydration, so it’s best to avoid them. Alcohol impairs your body’s ability to regulate temperature, while caffeine acts as a diuretic. Though energy drinks may seem appealing on busy days, their high caffeine and sugar content make them counterproductive to preventing heat stress.
Monitor Urine Color
Your urine color is a hydration indicator. Pale yellow urine indicates proper hydration, while dark yellow or amber signals dehydration. Make hydration a priority, not an afterthought.
Time Your Work To Beat the Heat
Schedule the most physically demanding tasks during cooler parts of the day, typically early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Plan indoor or shaded work during peak heat hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when possible.
Take 15-minute breaks every hour when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. Use break time to move to shaded or air-conditioned areas, remove outer layers of clothing if possible, and hydrate.
If possible, you might also consider adjusting your work schedule. Starting earlier in the morning allows you to complete more work before temperatures peak. When temperatures reach dangerous levels, some companies even implement heat emergency protocols that modify work schedules.
Choose the Right Hi-Vis Workwear
Not all hi-vis clothing handles heat equally well. Select garments made from lightweight, breathable fabrics that wick moisture away from your skin while maintaining required visibility standards.
Shirts and Vests
Look for hi-vis shirts and vests made from polyester mesh or moisture-wicking synthetic blends. These materials encourage air circulation while keeping you visible to equipment operators and drivers. Avoid cotton hi-vis clothing, as cotton retains moisture and becomes heavy when saturated with sweat.
Jackets
When you must wear hi-vis jackets in hot weather, choose options with ventilation features like mesh panels, zippered vents, or removable linings. Some hi-vis jackets include cooling features, such as built-in fans or pockets for cooling packs.
Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF)
Hi-vis clothing with UPF ratings protects against sun exposure while remaining lightweight. Long-sleeved hi-vis shirts with UPF protection often provide better heat management than multiple layers of clothing.
Ensure Proper Fit
Loose-fitting garments allow better air circulation than tight clothing. However, maintain compliance with safety standards, as you don’t want to compromise visibility requirements for comfort.
Learn Effective Cooling Techniques
Active cooling strategies help your body manage heat more effectively. For instance, wet bandanas or cooling towels provide efficient cooling. You can also try these smart strategies:
Wear Cooling Vests
These vests use evaporative cooling, phase-change materials, or gel packs to lower your core body temperature. Many cooling vests work effectively under hi-vis clothing without compromising visibility requirements.
Get in the Shade
Portable shade structures, umbrellas, or canopies can reduce ambient temperature by 10 to 15 degrees, making them important shelters in hot conditions. Even brief periods in the shade help your body recover from heat stress.
Use Cold Water
You don’t only have to drink cold water to stay cool. Apply cold water to pulse points (wrists, neck, and temples) during breaks. This technique provides quick cooling by targeting areas where blood vessels run close to the skin surface.
Remove Excess Clothing
If you can safely remove outer layers during breaks or in designated areas, give your body a chance to cool down before returning to work.
Create Heat-Safe Work Environments
Whenever possible, modify your work environment to reduce heat exposure through the following measures:
- Use fans, misters, or evaporative coolers to improve air circulation.
- Establish cooling stations with shade, seating, and cold-water access.
- Implement the buddy system for heat stress monitoring. Heat stress can impair judgment, making it difficult to recognize symptoms yourself.
- Keep ice packs, cold towels, and plenty of water readily available.
- Educate your entire team about heat stress prevention and emergency response procedures.
Take Action for Your Safety
Prevent heat stress with hi-vis workwear by choosing your gear carefully. You must also actively manage your heat exposure through proper hydration and smart work practices, such as taking frequent breaks in shaded areas and limiting your hours worked in peak heat.
Is it time to stock up on hi-vis workwear? Head over to our website to explore our collection of high-quality, heat-efficient hi-vis gear designed to keep you safe and comfortable in all working conditions.
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