Summer is here! The warm months bring sunny days and long evenings, but for many employees they also mean an additional challenge: the heat. Especially for those who work outdoors or in difficult conditions, high temperatures can become a real burden. 🌡️
Why heat protection is ☀️ so important
The DAK Health Report 2024 shows that about a quarter of employees suffer severely from heat during work. One fifth even experiences health problems such as sleep disorders and circulatory problems. Those who work outdoors or are under heavy physical strain are particularly affected. The heat can lead to fatigue, lack of concentration and an increased risk of accidents.
The impact on productivity 📉
High temperatures affect not only health, but also productivity. According to the DAK Health Report 2024, more than half of those surveyed said they were less productive in the heat. Older employees, people who are overweight, chronic illnesses and pregnant women are particularly affected. Sonia Niedhart, Managing Director of Allprotec®, explains that productivity suffers significantly from the heat in summer. It is essential that companies take measures to protect their employees while ensuring efficiency.
Cooling PPE from Portwest 👟👣
When the sun beats down mercilessly from the sky, people reach for cooling personal protective equipment (PPE)! Regular exposure to high UV radiation can lead to skin and eye damage over time and cause various health problems. To counteract this risk, Portwest presents innovative clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 40+. This advanced protective clothing effectively repels harmful UV rays, thus significantly reducing the risk of sun damage and skin cancer.
The benefits of clothing with UPF40+ go beyond just protection. It offers safety, cooling and comfort and thus sets new standards in workwear. This significant innovation allows workers to perform their outdoor tasks more safely and comfortably.
Practical tips for heat protection in the workplace 🧢🕶️
- Adjustment ⏰ of working hours Flexible working hours can help avoid the hottest hours of the day. The working day can be started early or moved to the cooler evening hours.
- Sufficient sun protection 🏖️ Shaded areas, UV-absorbing canopies and suitable workwear that protects against UV rays are essential. Headgear and sunglasses are also important.
- Hydration is the be-all and end-all 💧 It should be ensured that sufficient water is available and that employees are regularly encouraged to drink. Small breaks also help to maintain performance.
- Light clothing and food 👕🍉 Airy, light clothing at work and light, refreshing meals help to avoid putting additional strain on the body.
- Regulating 🌬️ room temperatures Cool rooms with fans or air conditioners and make sure the room temperature doesn't rise too high. Plants on the roof and façade can also contribute to cooling.
Heat protection is a shared task 🤝
Sonia Niedhart emphasizes that rising temperatures in the wake of climate change are a challenge for society as a whole. It is important that everyone – employers and employees – work together to minimise the burden of heat. Proper handling of heat is not only a matter of comfort, but also of safety and health in the workplace.
Personal conclusion 🌟
Summer brings challenges, but also opportunities. With the right measures, the hot months can be survived safely and productively. Companies have a great responsibility to protect and support their employees. Be it through flexible working hours, suitable protective clothing or sufficient hydration - every contribution counts. Stay cool, take care of the health of your colleagues and enjoy the summer responsibly!