How to Choose the Right Summer Gear for Construction Work

Vacation is on the horizon for many US workers. With that said, the summer season brings the highest number of construction projects, both residential and commercial. Summer also brings with it unique challenges when it comes to staying comfortable, cool, and safe. It is imperative then to choose protective gear that works well for the season. 

More than 40 percent of heat-related worker deaths occur in the construction industry. For this very reason, we offer a wide selection of breathable gloves and breathable garments. We also offer 99.9% UV rated eyewear offering 6X greater Anti-Fog technology.

Lighten Up A Little

STSCL2MSL keeps workers seen and comfortable due to its Birdseye mesh fabric.

Everyone in construction knows that light and bright colors are great for visibility, of course. This is because they reflect the majority of the light (whether sunlight or artificial light from a lamp, flashlight, or vehicle) and absorb relatively little.

Darker colors are the opposite; they blend into the background because most of the light that hits them are absorbed. But this is also true when it comes to infrared radiation, AKA heat from the sun. Wearing light-colored, loosely fitting clothing can help keep you stay cooler, even when you’re in the sun.  

If your business has a dark-colored uniform, consider swapping it out for something lighter during the summer months. It could help save your life or one of your employee’s life.

Stay Under Cover

Yes, this means working in the shade when possible, but when you’re in construction during the summertime, you’re guaranteed to get some sun. That’s why protection from UV radiation is a major concern. 8,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, but only 18% of outdoor workers say they always wear sunscreen at work. Pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. If you’ll be sweating (and you probably will be) choose a waterproof formula.

In addition to wearing sunscreen, consider wearing PPE that keeps the sun off your neck, like the HVH100 HiVis boonie hat. This type of PPE shades your ears, which are the first part of the body to be burned in many cases. 

While working with concrete, long sleeves and pants are necessary to protect you from wet cement. In addition, they can also provide much-needed cover away from the sun. MCR Safety’s HiVis Class 3 long sleeve shirts feature birds eye mesh, keeping you cool and safe!

The Eyes Have It

That summer sun is no joke to your eyes either. UV exposure is known to cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and astigmatism. Wearing protective eyewear that blocks at least 99% of ultraviolet rays will help protect your eyes from degenerating over time. We’ve got you covered, as all MCR Safety eyewear styles block out 99.9% of harmful UV radiation. In addition, we manufacturer MAX 6 eyewear with 6X greater Anti-Fog technology, great for those quickly going from cold indoor conditions to hot summer conditions.  Our MAX 36 styles now offer 3X greater scratch resistance, 6X greater Anti-Fog technology and are also Polarized!

With so many options to choose from, there is really no excuse for not wearing eye protection. Click on the image to check out all the different lens options and eyewear styles.

Remember: if you’re squinting, it’s too bright.

Don't Go Unprotected Because of the Heat

When it is hot, you might be tempted to skip out on gloves or other protective gear in order to feel more comfortable. Don’t! Crush hazards, wet cement, and other dangers don’t just disappear after Memorial Day. That said, if you’re still wearing the same gear you were in December, you’re going to be at risk for heat injury.

Rather than ditching your gloves altogether, swap out that heavily insulated set for something lighter, like the 96790HVI, which provides the grip you need without all the warmth.

Not only is the glove lighter, it features Breathable Nitrile allowing the glove to better dissipate body heat. Click on the image to check out our wide assortment of Breathable Nitrile gloves.

We have got you covered with rainwear too, offering a full selection of breathable waterproof rain gear. With so many breathable options to choose from, there is no reason you should work in uncomfortable and hot PPE during summer months.

When It Comes to Hydration, Water is Better

Is a water bottle considered protective gear? It is in the summertime.

Know the signs of dehydration, and don’t let it happen to you or the people you work with.

MCR Safety Is Committed to Keeping You Protected

Construction can be a dangerous field, but the right gear can make it safer.

With over 73,000 construction injuries in a single year, you need a quick, easy to use tool for finding gloves, glasses, and garments you can trust. We’ve assembled resources aimed specifically at people in the construction industry. We breakdown the personal protection equipment (PPE) workers need when facing a multitude of concrete hazards, one of these being wet cement.

Click on the image to check out our Construction Industry Resources page.

We highly recommend that any employer looking for safety gear education around their specific working applications should register for The MCR Safety 360° Protection Program. We will provide you with a thorough assessment of your operations and make safety gear recommendations.

Whether you need gloves, glasses, or garments, we have you covered!

We Protect People!