Living in a city with four distinct seasons, the warm and sunny summer months are always a source of joy. Nevertheless, as temperatures rise, it becomes critical to provide appropriate uniforms for both indoor and outdoor employees to prevent hazards and illnesses related to extreme heat.
When selecting summer uniforms for hot work environments, several factors must be considered to ensure employee comfort and safety.
Choose The Right Uniform Material
The material of the garment is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing uniforms for hot work environments. The combination of constant movement and a high-temperature environment makes the human body produce excess sweat as a way to keep cool. This moisture on the top of the skin often sticks to materials that don’t allow for ventilation. Not only is this uncomfortable for the worker, but it also causes the body to retain heat, putting the worker at high risk for heat illnesses.
As a result, the ideal uniform material for working in a hot environment should be lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking to allow sweat to evaporate & to keep workers cool and dry. Blends of cotton, polyester, and nylon are some of the best materials for these uniforms.
Roscoe supplies our customers with a variety of garments made from breathable materials, such as Men’s Premium Check Shirts and Women’s Sport-Tek Posicharge Micro-mesh Polo Shirts located on pages 7 & 8 of our uniform rental catalog.
Consider The Uniform Design
In addition to choosing the right materials, the fit and design of the uniform must also be considered to protect employees in hot work environments. The ideal design should allow for maximum ventilation and airflow to keep workers cool. Loose-fitting pants, shorts, & shirts are recommended, as it allows for better air circulation and prevents the uniform from sticking to the skin.
For employees who work under the heat of the sun, it is also important to choose a uniform that is light in color and has UV-blocking capabilities. Uniforms that are white, beige, or yellow help deflect the heat of the sun, whereas uniforms that are black or dark in color will retain heat from the sun.
Long Sleeves vs. Short Sleeves
There are circumstances where the uniform combination of long-sleeve shirts and pants is better suited for hot work environments than short sleeves and shorts. Electrical, manufacturing, and food processing are among the top industries whose employees are working in hot environments and near flammable hazards.
In order to protect these employees from burns, their uniforms must cover as much exposed skin as possible. A long-sleeve flame-resistant shirt and pants combination, made with breathable materials and a loose-fitting design, is the perfect uniform solution that protects workers from both heat illnesses and burns.
Stay Cool With Roscoe
Roscoe is ready to gear up your team for the hot summer months! With deep roots in the heart of Chicago, we have a lot of experience helping workers stay cool & safe during the heat of an Illinois summer. Contact one of our customer service representatives today to walk you through our uniform rental catalog and find the perfect uniforms to keep your workers cool and comfortable this summer.
