5 Heat-Related Safety Tips to Protect Your Team This Summer
If you work in a manufacturing plant or a hot auto garage, you already know…summer heat is no joke. High temps and heavy gear don’t mix well, and when the stakes include worker health, safety isn’t optional. That’s why this National Safety Month, we’re focusing on practical tips to protect your crew from heat-related risks.
From choosing ventilated, moisture-wicking uniforms to spotting signs of heat illness early, taking smart breaks, and staying prepared with first aid, these heat safety tips can make all the difference.
1. Dress Smart: Why Ventilated Uniforms Are a Game Changer
When you’re sweating buckets but still have a job to do, every detail counts. Our uniforms use lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics combined with strategically placed ventilation zones to help air circulate and wick sweat away from the body.
Automotive uniforms with vents are specially designed for hot, enclosed garages where air doesn’t flow well but the heat definitely builds up. These vents help keep the skin cool and prevent overheating during long shifts under the hood.
Hi-vis breathable uniforms use mesh panels and technical fabrics so visibility and safety don’t mean sacrificing comfort, especially on hot outdoor jobsites.
Moisture-wicking matters. Sweat can quickly lead to discomfort, irritation, and even chafing, but our uniforms are built to combat that. The moisture-wicking properties help pull sweat away from the skin and speed up evaporation, so workers stay cooler, drier, and fresher throughout the day.
2. Spot Heat-Related Illness Before It’s Too Late
Heat-related illnesses can escalate quickly. Knowing the warning signs, and acting fast, can save lives.
Early Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion:
- Heavy sweating or clammy skin
- Rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dizziness, nausea, or headache
- Muscle cramps
If you or a teammate notice these symptoms, it’s time to stop work, get into a cool area, hydrate, and rest.
Signs & Symptoms of Heat Stroke
- Hot, dry skin or no sweating despite heat
- Confusion, agitation, or seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Rapid, weak pulse
Call emergency services immediately if heat stroke is suspected. Quick action is critical!
American Red Cross recommends that after calling emergency services to follow one of these cooling methods based on resources:
- Immerse them up to their neck in cold water if safe to do.
- Apply cold, wet towels to skin; then apply ice packs and fan them.
- Have them take a cold shower.
Pro Tip: Train supervisors and workers regularly on recognizing these symptoms, and encourage an open culture where workers feel comfortable reporting when they’re not feeling well.
3. Build Breaks Into Every Shift (And Make Them Count)
Taking breaks is a safety necessity.
Schedule frequent short breaks in cool or shaded areas, especially during peak heat hours (usually late morning and mid-afternoon).
Encourage workers to hydrate often, not just when thirsty. Water is best, but electrolyte drinks can help replace lost minerals during heavy sweating.
Use break time to remove helmets, gloves, or any gear that traps heat when safe to do so.
Pro Tip: Provide cooling towels or fans in break areas to speed up body temperature recovery. And remember, even 5-minute breaks can reduce heat stress if used right!
4. Stay Prepared: First Aid Tips Every Facility Should Follow
Accidents and heat-related emergencies can happen fast especially in high-risk environments like manufacturing floors and auto shops. That’s why having a strong first aid game plan is so important.
Here are a few first aid basics every facility should have in place:
- Make first aid kits easy to find and fully stocked. Every work area should have a clearly labeled kit within quick reach and it should be checked and refilled regularly.
- Train your team. Everyone should know how to respond to common issues like heat exhaustion, burns, cuts, or chemical exposure. A quick refresher every few months can go a long way.
- Have a heat emergency plan. Identify cool-down spots and assign first responders to assist in case of heat stroke or collapse.
- Know when to escalate. Teach workers how to recognize when a situation is beyond first aid and when to call emergency services.
Did you know we also offer first aid services? We take care of the hard part for you by supplying, organizing, and restocking everything you need to stay OSHA-compliant and ready for anything.
Best of all? Our team comes to you to check and refill everything on a regular schedule, so no more last-minute supply runs or expired products gathering dust.
5. Create a Culture Where Safety Comes First
Uniforms and equipment only go so far. The best safety programs empower workers and leadership to prioritize health and well-being every day.
- Encourage open communication where workers feel safe to speak up about heat issues without fear of pushback.
- Hold regular safety meetings focused on heat illness prevention, hydration, and uniform care.
- Make sure supervisors lead by example, taking breaks and wearing ventilated uniforms themselves.
- Recognize and reward safe behaviors to keep morale high and reinforce good habits.
Pro Tip: Use signage to remind workers about heat risks, hydration stations, and break schedules to keep safety top of mind even during busy shifts.
Keeping You Cool, Comfortable, and Safe
Summer heat doesn’t let up, and neither do we!
We believe safety and comfort go hand in hand. That’s why our uniforms are built for real work in real heat, with breathable fabrics, moisture-wicking tech, and smart designs made for the manufacturing floor, the garage, and every hot jobsite in between.
Pair that with our reliable first aid supplies, and you’ve got a system designed to protect your people.
Ready to upgrade your safety gear for the summer heat? Let’s talk!
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