Working outdoors in hot weather presents a range of health and safety challenges. High temperatures, ultraviolet (UV) radiation and sun glare can all increase risk if not properly managed. PPE can also become uncomfortable in hot conditions, which may affect compliance if it is not selected carefully.

So, how can employers help people work outside safely in hot weather? The answer lies in understanding the risks and selecting PPE and working practices that protect against sun exposure while supporting comfort and wellbeing.

Why is hot weather a risk for outdoor workers?

Hot and sunny conditions expose workers to multiple hazards at once. Prolonged UV exposure can damage the eyes and skin, while glare can restrict vision and increase the likelihood of accidents. Heat build-up, particularly when wearing PPE, can also contribute to fatigue and heat stress.

By planning ahead and choosing PPE designed for outdoor use, these risks can be reduced and outdoor work can be carried out more safely.

How can eye protection help when working in the sun?

The eyes are particularly vulnerable to damage from UV radiation. Long-term exposure can contribute to cataracts, macular degeneration and other serious eye conditions, potentially leading to permanent vision loss. UV exposure is also linked to eye cancers and growths on or around the eye.

Bright sunlight and glare can also create immediate safety risks. Reduced visibility makes it harder to see hazards, especially in environments where vehicles, machinery or reflective surfaces such as water are present.

Eye protection with UV-filtering lenses helps protect against these risks. Both clear and tinted lenses can provide UV protection, while tinted options also help reduce sunglare. Selecting the right shade and filtering performance is essential to ensure wearers can still see clearly and distinguish colours accurately while remaining protected. Learn more about selecting UV and sunglare eye protection.

It is also important to note that mesh forestry visors do not provide optical radiation filtering. When using mesh visors, additional eye protection is required to protect against UV exposure. Forestry helmets and browguard systems with integrated eyeshields can provide the necessary UV filtering in these applications. Find out more.

What head protection features are best for hot weather?

Wearing head protection in high temperatures can be uncomfortable, but the right helmet design can make a significant difference. When working in hot conditions, helmets should support airflow, reduce heat build-up and provide protection from sun exposure.

Ventilated helmets allow hot air to escape from the shell, helping to reduce moisture build-up and improve comfort and hygiene. For mountaineering-style helmets with internal liners, a suspension harness can increase airflow by creating space between the head and the liner, allowing air to circulate more freely.

Where site rules allow, helmet colour can also play a role. Lighter-coloured helmets, such as white or yellow, reflect sunlight and can remain cooler than darker colours. However, role-based colour requirements may mean this is not always an option, for example where supervisors are required to wear black helmets.

Helmet accessories can provide additional protection. Neck capes attach to the rear of the helmet to shield the neck from UV exposure. UV protective fabrics tested to EN 13758-1 are given an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating, with UPF 50+ offering the highest level of protection by blocking 98 percent of UV rays. Learn more about helmet neck capes.

To help manage heat stress, cooling sweatbands can be used in place of standard helmet sweatbands. When soaked in water, these sweatbands release moisture slowly through evaporation, helping to cool the wearer for extended periods, in some cases for up to 10 hours. Find out more about cooling sweatbands.

What other steps help people work safely outdoors in hot conditions?

PPE selection is only one part of working safely in hot weather. Employers should also consider working practices and welfare provisions.

Regular rest breaks are essential, with shaded areas provided so workers can recover out of direct sunlight. Cool drinking water should be freely available, and workers should be encouraged to remove PPE during breaks to help regulate body temperature.

Protecting the skin is just as important as protecting the eyes. UV radiation can cause sunburn in the short term and increases the risk of skin cancer over time. Outdoor workers should use high-factor sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing, such as keeping shirts on, to reduce UV exposure. Learn more about skin cancer protection.

For tasks requiring respiratory protective equipment, hot weather can increase discomfort. In some cases, a loose-fitting powered respirator may be more comfortable than a tight-fitting mask. Loose-fitting powered air respirators provide a constant flow of air to the headtop, which can help keep the wearer cooler while maintaining protection. Find out how loose-fitting respirators offer protection.

How can employers plan for safe outdoor work in hot weather?

To work outside safely in hot weather, PPE must protect against sun exposure while remaining comfortable in high temperatures. Employers should assess the additional risks created by hot conditions and select equipment and accessories that support both protection and comfort.

Work should be planned to include regular breaks, access to shade and drinking water, and opportunities for workers to cool down. Clear guidance and appropriate PPE selection help reduce risk and support compliance when temperatures rise.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides further guidance on staying safe when working outdoors and managing sun exposure for outdoor workers.

What head protection features are best for hot weather?

Wearing head protection in high temperatures can be uncomfortable, but the right helmet design can make a significant difference. When working in hot conditions, helmets should support airflow, reduce heat build-up and provide protection from sun exposure.

Ventilated helmets allow hot air to escape from the shell, helping to reduce moisture build-up and improve comfort and hygiene. For mountaineering-style helmets with internal liners, a suspension harness can increase airflow by creating space between the head and the liner, allowing air to circulate more freely.

Where site rules allow, helmet colour can also play a role. Lighter-coloured helmets, such as white or yellow, reflect sunlight and can remain cooler than darker colours. However, role-based colour requirements may mean this is not always an option, for example where supervisors are required to wear black helmets.

Helmet accessories can provide additional protection. Neck capes attach to the rear of the helmet to shield the neck from UV exposure. UV protective fabrics tested to EN 13758-1 are given an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating, with UPF 50+ offering the highest level of protection by blocking 98 percent of UV rays. Learn more about helmet neck capes.

To help manage heat stress, cooling sweatbands can be used in place of standard helmet sweatbands. When soaked in water, these sweatbands release moisture slowly through evaporation, helping to cool the wearer for extended periods, in some cases for up to 10 hours. Find out more about cooling sweatbands.

What other steps help people work safely outdoors in hot conditions?

PPE selection is only one part of working safely in hot weather. Employers should also consider working practices and welfare provisions.

Regular rest breaks are essential, with shaded areas provided so workers can recover out of direct sunlight. Cool drinking water should be freely available, and workers should be encouraged to remove PPE during breaks to help regulate body temperature.

Protecting the skin is just as important as protecting the eyes. UV radiation can cause sunburn in the short term and increases the risk of skin cancer over time. Outdoor workers should use high-factor sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing, such as keeping shirts on, to reduce UV exposure. Learn more about skin cancer protection.

For tasks requiring respiratory protective equipment, hot weather can increase discomfort. In some cases, a loose-fitting powered respirator may be more comfortable than a tight-fitting mask. Loose-fitting powered air respirators provide a constant flow of air to the headtop, which can help keep the wearer cooler while maintaining protection. Find out how loose-fitting respirators offer protection.

How can employers plan for safe outdoor work in hot weather?

To work outside safely in hot weather, PPE must protect against sun exposure while remaining comfortable in high temperatures. Employers should assess the additional risks created by hot conditions and select equipment and accessories that support both protection and comfort.

Work should be planned to include regular breaks, access to shade and drinking water, and opportunities for workers to cool down. Clear guidance and appropriate PPE selection help reduce risk and support compliance when temperatures rise.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides further guidance on staying safe when working outdoors and managing sun exposure for outdoor workers.

Learn more about UV and sunglare eye protection.

Find more information on skin cancer and construction.