Top 5 Summer Safety Essentials for Your Jobsite

Summer is here, and the heat is on. Are you keeping cool while working all day in the hot summer sun?

If you don’t take steps to keep your body temperature regulated, heat-related illness can lead to jobsite accidents or illness.

That’s why we’re talking safety essentials for contractors. When you’re working on a hot summer day, what do you rely on to stay comfortable and hydrated?

To help you out, here are five safety essentials for staying cool—and looking cool—on the jobsite this summer.

1. Ergodyne Chill-Its^® Cooling Bandanas

These adjustable cooling bandanas keep sweat at bay—and out of your eyes—while offering some relief from extreme heat.

Using PVA cooling technology, the material activates in less than one minute under running water and stays cooler than ambient air temperature for hours. Its low-profile, no-bulk design means you can wear it under hard hats or around your neck, depending on the task at hand. The bandanas can also be thrown in a washing machine as needed.

2. Pyramex Hi-Vis Moisture-Wicking T-Shirts

When you’re working in the heat, comfort often comes down to the fabric’s ability to pull moisture away from your body and prevent accumulation.

That’s why we like these ANSI Class 2 enhanced-visibility t-shirts from Pyramex. They’re made from breathable, lightweight polyester, which allows the shirts to dry quickly instead of becoming saturated, keeping you cooler and drier. With silver reflective stipes and orange and yellow color options, workers will be highly visible and safer. They’ve got chest pockets for storage, too.

3. Pyramex Non-Rated Hi-Vis Long-Sleeve Moisture-Wicking T-Shirts

Wearing long sleeves can offer an additional layer of sun protection by shielding skin, controlling body temperature, and reducing the risk of burning. To keep cool and comfortable, we also like the long-sleeved versions of Pyramex’s enhanced-visibility t-shirts.

As ANSI Class 3 safety shirts, they’re suitable to wear in high-traffic areas and also offer your arms some protection against scratches or bumps.

4. Pyramex Cooling Towel Wraps

Made from the same material and PVA cooling technology as the cooling bandana we mentioned earlier, this cooling towel wrap holds lots of water without getting weighed down. It activates in cool water and is reusable.

An antimicrobial treatment helps prevent mold buildup and odors that typically result when you attempt to keep towels constantly moist. The wrap is also a decent size so you can use it to cover your neck or even drape it over your face or head when you’re taking a quick break.

5. Sqwincher Sqweeze^® Pops

Replenishing fluids and electrolytes lost during physical work and extreme heat is key to preventing dehydration and maintaining energy levels. Water is obviously a good option for hydration, but sometimes you need a little bit more.

We love these freezer pops for that very reason: They’re designed to help replace what your body sweats out while also replenishing electrolytes—all with lower sodium and fewer calories than many sports drinks. They’re quick and easy to consume, available with or without sugar, and come in an impressive assortment of flavors (orange, cherry, mixed berry, watermelon, etc.).

Temperatures aren’t dropping anytime soon, so stock up on these summer safety essentials. Call Van Meter at 1-800-247-1410, and we’ll get you these or any other safety products you need.