Organisations operating in demanding environments – particularly where high heat is becoming more frequent and intense – should implement effective risk management measures to protect workers from both hazards and heat by selecting the “correct personal protective equipment (PPE)”, says health and security firm International SOS.

Such PPE would need to incorporate effective heat management features and be complemented with engineering and administrative controls, while adoption would also need to be accompanied by worker education and hydration strategies, says International SOS global health adviser for clinical governance Dr Chris van Straten.

He adds that organisations should make informed decisions when choosing PPE for employees working in high-heat environments, as the incorrect PPE can contribute to heat strain, which could prove hazardous or potentially fatal for employees.

“In extreme heat, PPE can increase heat strain because it can restrict airflow, trapping heat and limiting the body’s ability to cool itself. Employers should therefore avoid treating PPE as a standalone control measure and instead apply a hierarchy of controls. This means reducing heat exposure through engineering and administrative controls wherever possible,” says Van Straten.

He adds that such administrative and engineering controls include conducting heat-specific workplace risk assessments; adjusting work schedules to avoid the hottest times of the day; providing shaded and air-conditioned rest areas; and increasing access to cool, clean drinking water.

“Further, employees should also be granted work-rest cycles depending on the environmental conditions, weather forecasts and the monitoring of heat alerts; acclimatisation programmes for new or returning workers must be implemented; and workers or supervisors must be trained to recognise early signs of heat-related illness, followed by proactive treatment.”

Van Straten says these measures help to reduce the negative effects of heavy PPE on workers in high-heat environments, and prevent decreased productivity owed to heat-related malaise.

Requirements and Procurement Considerations

Van Straten says that organisations must consider a list of environment-specific requirements before selecting the PPE, including biological, chemical, electrical, mechanical or thermal hazards; whether the work environment is indoors; temperature and humidity levels; the physical intensity of the tasks; the duration for which PPE will be worn; and whether the selected PPE increases the risk of heat stress.

“Employers should involve workers in PPE evaluations because comfort, fit and usability significantly impact compliance. PPE that is uncomfortable is less likely to be worn correctly. The organisation’s PPE procedures should also ensure that equipment complies with international standards and that workers receive appropriate training in correct use, maintenance and replacement,” he points out.

Additionally, organisations should also consider lightweight and breathable PPE solutions as “during hotter periods, lighter-weight and more breathable materials may offer similar protection, provided they meet the safety specifications, while reducing heat burden”.

Van Straten stresses that employers should not choose between protecting workers from workplace hazards and protecting them from heat: effective risk management must achieve both.

“Organisations that regularly review their PPE programmes; assess heat-related risks and implement practical mitigation measures as part of their Duty of Care, Operational and Risk policies will be better positioned to safeguard employee health, maintain productivity and strengthen operational resilience,” Van Straten concludes.