Provide cooling personal protective equipment

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For employees working outdoors or in naturally hot environments (kitchens, workshops, construction sites), standard PPE isn't always enough to limit heat exposure. Additional equipment — cooling vests, wide-brim hats, sunscreen — provides concrete, immediate protection.

Cooling vests use water evaporation or cooling inserts to keep body temperature lower for several hours. Combined with adequate sun protection (hat, sunscreen), they significantly reduce the heat load the body has to manage.

• Direct, immediate protection for the most exposed roles
• Effectively complements other measures (schedules, breaks, hydration)
• Reasonable cost per employee compared to the risks avoided
• Shows a concrete commitment to workplace safety

1. Identify the roles most exposed to heat (outdoor, kitchen, non-air-conditioned workshop)
2. Choose suitable equipment: cooling vests, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen
3. Train staff on how to use and maintain the equipment (e.g. recharging cooling vests)
4. Restock each season and ahead of any announced heat peaks