This article was originally published by the Safety and Health Magazine

How could protective clothing increase or decrease the hazard of heat/cold stress?

Heat stress is talked about more today than it has been in the past. This is great, but it’s a conversation that’s still evolving. People tend to focus on hydration, but there’s more to it than that. For one of the best examples I can think of, you’ll need to climb to the top of a wind turbine.

Spending an 8-hour shift in a nacelle may not sound that bad, but let’s work through how you get there. Workers make the climb with their supplies and equipment. So, by the time they reach the enclosed workspace, they’re sweating. Not ideal if it’s July (or January for that matter).

We’re left with a sweaty worker wearing FR gear in a box that faces temperature extremes.

Now, we can see how moisture wicking is a big part of the changing heat stress conversation.

And this applies to a wide variety of fields:

• A worker in a paint booth in August, wearing a coverall, will experience heat stress.
• A worker welding in a dump truck in December will experience heat (and cold) stress.
• A worker in a rubber manufacturing plant, because of the processes involved, can face heat stress year-round.

These examples show how heat and cold stress are significant concerns in industrial environments. In an era where we push to maximize productivity, we can’t ignore the drain that these stresses have on worker safety and efficiency.

What can be done

To make strides in this area, we need to focus on the role proper clothing plays in managing these stresses. Said another way, the key takeaway I want to leave you with is this: It’s hard to overstate the importance of the worker experience.

Let’s go back to those wind turbine workers. If they know the day starts by making a 300-foot climb in the summer while wearing FR garments that will become saturated with sweat, morale is going to suffer.

Now, switch that gear over to moisture-wicking FR garments. These will help manage heat stress by keeping workers dry and comfortable. Plus, in cold environments, these same garments prevent sweat from freezing. By simply switching what workers are wearing, we’re improving morale and productivity.

More and more, we’re seeing heat stress become a top priority for organizations. Regulations have been beefed up and are now requiring plans to address hydration and time management. But when working with clients, I often find the conversation drifting to just how much can be gained by improving the worker experience via appropriate clothing.

Managing heat and cold stress in industrial environments requires a comprehensive approach, and that includes proper clothing. Organizations must prioritize worker experience. Making this switch now ensures employees are protected and comfortable. The results will be improvements in morale, safety and productivity.

Editor’s note: This article represents the independent views of the author and should not be considered a National Safety Council endorsement.