Stay Cool, Safe & Productive: Preparing Your Workforce for a Hotter Summer

Friday 15th July, 2025
5 minute read

UK summers are no longer mild and predictable. Over the past decade, average summer temperatures have steadily risen, and we are now experiencing hotter, longer, and more intense warm periods.

Prolonged heat waves, sharp spikes in humidity, and unseasonably high temperatures are quickly becoming the norm. This shift is creating new safety challenges for those working in construction, facilities management, logistics, utilities, and any industry where outdoor or non-climate-controlled environments are common.

In 2024 alone, multiple nationwide heat alerts were issued, and the summer brought record-breaking temperatures in several regions. Early forecasts for 2025 suggest we could see similar or even more extreme conditions. For employers, this is a clear warning sign. Heat safety can no longer be a reactive measure implemented only after the first heatwave arrives. It must be part of a proactive, year-round health and safety strategy. Failing to prepare puts not only worker health at risk but also a business’s legal compliance, operational productivity, and reputation.

At Stronghold Global, we understand that PPE needs change with the seasons. What works for worker protection in the cold months will not necessarily keep them safe and comfortable in the heat. One-size-fits-all does not apply when temperatures soar.

This is why we have developed our Summer Safety Toolkit — a complete range of breathable PPE, cooling accessories, and on-site safety solutions designed to help teams perform at their best during hot weather, without compromising compliance or safety.

Understanding the true impact of heat on workers

When environmental heat exceeds the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, workers face the risk of heat stress. This condition can lead to a cascade of symptoms, including dizziness, confusion, nausea, muscle cramps, and in severe cases, collapse and heat stroke. Once heat stroke sets in, it can be fatal without immediate intervention.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has repeatedly highlighted that outdoor workers face higher vulnerability in extreme heat, especially when tasks involve heavy physical effort. The problem is compounded by other hazards such as dehydration, glare from sunlight, reduced ventilation, and the cumulative strain of long shifts. These factors can lead to more mistakes, slower reaction times, and accidents that could have been avoided.

The cost is not only human. Heat stress can have a direct and measurable financial impact on a business. Studies from the London School of Economics show that a 1°C increase above average seasonal temperatures can reduce worker output by nearly 10 per cent. On hot days above 28°C, national productivity losses in the UK have been estimated in the billions. For companies operating in sectors where deadlines, efficiency, and precision matter, these losses can be significant.

Investing in the correct PPE and site-based cooling measures is therefore not just a compliance exercise. It is a sound financial decision that protects people, prevents costly delays, and demonstrates a commitment to worker well-being.

What goes into a Summer Safety Toolkit

The goal of summer PPE is to maintain the same protection standards workers rely on year-round while enhancing breathability, comfort, and temperature regulation. Here is how to create a truly effective setup:

1. Breathable High-Visibility Clothing
Standard hi-vis workwear can quickly become uncomfortable in high heat, tempting workers to remove layers and compromise visibility. Summer-ready options use lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that still meet EN ISO 20471 compliance. These garments often incorporate mesh side panels, ventilated trousers, and reflective tape that does not absorb heat. Some also feature integrated UPF-rated sun protection to shield against harmful UV rays, which is particularly important for outdoor workers exposed for long periods.

2. UV-Blocking Eyewear
Eye safety in the summer is not just about protecting against dust and debris. Glare from sunlight or reflective surfaces can cause eye strain, reduce focus, and even lead to temporary vision impairment. Wraparound eyewear with UV400-rated lenses offers full UVA and UVB protection. Anti-fog coatings, scratch resistance, and durable frames ensure the eyewear remains practical for harsh environments. Selecting the right lens tint, such as grey or amber, can reduce glare and improve contrast without distorting colour recognition.

3. Cooling Headgear and Hard Hat Accessories
Hard hats are essential PPE, but in summer, they can trap heat and increase the risk of overheating. Modern ventilated hard hats improve airflow, while accessories like sweatbands, attachable neck shades, and evaporative cooling pads help keep head and neck temperatures lower. Some advanced models even feature small built-in fans powered by rechargeable batteries to circulate air and maintain comfort.

4. Heat-Adapted Gloves
Hand protection remains critical, even in hot weather. However, traditional gloves can become uncomfortable when sweat builds up, causing reduced grip and concentration. Heat-adapted gloves with breathable mesh backs, moisture-wicking liners, and grip-enhancing coatings allow workers to maintain safety and dexterity. Our GRIPPS® tethered gloves combine breathability with secure tether points, making them ideal for tasks at height during peak summer temperatures.

5. Hydration and Cooling Stations
One of the earliest and most dangerous effects of working in heat is dehydration. This can cause fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and confusion — all of which impair safety. Hydration points should be available throughout the site and positioned so that workers can access them without interrupting workflow. In addition to water, electrolyte drinks help replace essential salts lost through sweat. Shaded rest zones, portable cooling fans, and misting units further support worker recovery during breaks. Stronghold Global’s Hydration and Recovery Kits offer a ready-to-deploy package including canopies, cooling systems, and drink supplies.

The hidden Summer hazard: Dropped tools

As hands sweat and fatigue sets in, grip strength can weaken. This increases the likelihood of tools being dropped, especially when working at height. Dropped objects pose a serious threat to anyone below and can cause significant damage to property and equipment. Lightweight and breathable GRIPPS® tethering solutions keep tools secure without adding unnecessary weight or heat build-up. Regular inspection of tethering gear and proper training in its use are essential for maximising safety.

View our Drop Prevention range today!

Plan for when the heat hits

UK heatwaves are now arriving earlier in the year, more often, lasting longer, and hitting harder. Waiting until the first high-temperature warning to act will leave your team unprepared and vulnerable. Early planning allows time to source the best PPE, set up hydration and cooling stations, and provide staff with training on heat safety protocols.

This proactive approach is about more than preventing heat-related incidents. It can improve morale, reduce turnover, and strengthen your reputation as a responsible employer. In competitive sectors where skilled labour is in high demand, showing that you take worker well-being seriously can set you apart.

Stronghold Global is ready to help you get summer-ready. From breathable PPE to tailored hydration systems and tool safety solutions, we can design a Summer Safety Toolkit for your specific site and operational needs.

📞 01793 484237
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.strongholdglobal.com

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