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PPE: HEAD & FACE PROTECTION
more accurate assessment of how their helmets perform under various thermal conditions. This level of detailed analysis is cru- cial in developing protective gear that not only meets but exceeds current safety standards, ensuring that workers are protected in increasingly extreme environmental conditions.
Results
The test results showed a significant reduction in heat stress for helmets with full integration compared to traditional foam-based helmets. These safety helmets demonstrated a reduction in head index of up to 4.5 degrees C or 8 degrees F.
This structure, which is 95 percent air, allows heat and humidity to escape, aiding in thermoregulation and providing greater com- fort during prolonged use. This feature reduces the risk of heat- related injuries and fatalities by improving airflow and preventing sweat accumulation. Importantly, this can also help prevent the temptation to remove PPE in hot conditions, which can lead to injuries or fatalities. It is crucial for employers to understand how their choice of PPE, particularly helmets, impacts their workers’ health. Investing in advanced protective solutions like those incor- porating this technology is vital in addressing the increasing global temperatures and ensuring the safety and well-being of workers.
As we continue to face the challenges of a warming climate, the importance of heat stress mitigation in the workplace cannot be over- stated. Employers must prioritize not only the physical protection of
their workers but also their thermal comfort. By adopting advanced PPE solutions that incorporate innovative technologies, industries can better safeguard their workforce against the growing threat of heat- related illnesses and enhance overall safety and productivity.
Ben Lzicar is Communications Manager for KOROYD, an Advanced Im- pact Solutions and PPE company.
REFERENCES
• L. Page and S. Sheppard, Heat Stress: Ambient Temperature and Workplace Accidents in the US. MIT Department of Economics, 2019.
• P. A. Hancock and I. Vasmatzidis, “Effects of heat stress on cognitive performance: the current state of knowledge,” International
Journal of Hyperthermia, vol. 19, no. 3, pp. 355–372, 2003, doi: 10.1080/0265673021000054630.
• Vaidyanathan A, Malilay J, Schramm P, Saha S. Heat-Related Deaths — United States, 2004–2018. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020;69:729–734. DOI: tinyurl.com/yckzt2me.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, The Economics Daily, 36 work-related deaths due to environmental heat exposure in 2021 at tinyurl.com/59y2ub8p.
• Mathilde Nais and Vivian Cheng, August 2023, KOROYD, Assessing Heat Stress in Industrial Helmets: A Comparative Study of Various Energy Absorbing Materials tinyurl.com/2afz382a.
30 Occupational Health & Safety | SEPTEMBER 2024
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