7 Essential Summer PPE for Contractors Working in the Heat

A construction worker places bricks under a hot sun.

Long hours under the Northern California sun can be brutal on crews. When the temps rise, so do the risks: heat exhaustion, sunburn, fogged-up safety glasses, and sweaty hands that lose grip. That’s why hot-weather personal protective equipment (PPE) is more than just a box to check; it’s critical construction safety equipment for the summer season.

At Stevenson Supply & Tractor Co., we proudly stock Radians PPE designed to meet ANSI and OSHA standards and handle heat like a pro. From breathable hi-vis shirts to evaporative cooling gear, here’s a breakdown of the most essential summer safety gear to keep your crew protected and productive.

1. High-Visibility Shirts with UV & Cooling Tech

Wearing a bulky vest in 90°F heat can slow productivity and increase heat fatigue. Radians’ line of ANSI-rated hi-vis shirts offers the visibility your team needs without the extra layer.

Radians Picks:

  • ST21-NST: Class 2 short sleeve with UPF 50+ protection, breathable polyester mesh, and segmented reflective tape.
  • ST11-2: Moisture-wicking Class 2 shirt, perfect for dry and dusty jobsites.
  • ST31-3: Long-sleeve Class 3 option for crews exposed to traffic, with added sun protection.

Crew Leader Tip

Encourage your team to swap out heavy safety vests for ANSI-rated shirts for improved comfort and compliance.

2. Hard Hats with Cooling Add-Ons

Standard hard hats can trap heat, increasing the risk of dehydration and sluggish focus. Radians offers accessories built to cool things down without compromising safety.

Top Cooling Gear

  • RadCool™ Neck Shade: Evaporative, lightweight, and easy to attach.
  • RadCool™ Cooling Pads: Insert and activate with water for hours of relief.
  • Mirage Sun Shield: Full-brim protection for ears, face, and neck—ideal for midday sun exposure.

Pro Tip

Go with white or silver hard hats to reflect sunlight, and pair them with RadCool™ accessories for up to a 15°F drop in surface temp.

3. Safety Glasses with Anti-Fog

Heat = Sweat = Fogged-up safety glasses.

Eyewear is crucial construction safety equipment, but nobody wants to wear foggy glasses, which is why crews often ditch them.

Radians has solved that with anti-fog tech and comfort-driven design

Radians Top Picks

  • Rad-Sequel™ Series: Wraparound, ANSI Z87.1+ compliant, with 99.9% UV protection.
  • Optima™ Polarized: Great for highway, paving, or glare-heavy tasks.
  • Dagger™ IQ: Extreme anti-fog, ideal under face coverings or humid environments.

Industry Note

Keep both clear and tinted lens options on hand for jobs with changing light conditions (like trench or bridge work).

4. Cooling PPE & Hydration Accessories

Reducing core body temperature by even a few degrees can prevent heatstroke, slow fatigue, and reduce the likelihood of mistakes and injuries.

Cooling Must Haves

  • Cooling Towels: Stays cool for up to 5 hours, tuck into collars or hard hats.
  • Cooling Vest: Lightweight and reusable, perfect for asphalt and grading crews.
  • Neck Gaiters & Bandanas: Protects from dust and sun while cooling the neck and face.

Jobsite Strategy

Set up a “cooling station” on site stocked with spare towels and vests, especially for new hires or younger crew members.

5. Breathable, Summer-Ready Gloves

When gloves trap heat or stay soaked with sweat, crews take them off—which defeats their purpose. Radians’ glove options are made for airflow and dexterity.

Radians Picks

  • RWG50 AirMesh™: Breathable back with durable nitrile grip.
  • RWG605 AXIS™: Cut Level A6 for high-risk tasks, with cooling comfort.
  • RWG14: Lightweight for prep, cleanup, or light material handling.

Pro Tip

Encourage teams to carry a second pair for midday glove swaps to reduce irritation and boost grip.

6. Boot Comfort Accessories

Radians doesn’t make work boots, but they offer accessories that make hot-weather boot wear more bearable.

Recommended Add-Ons

  • Radians Work Socks: Moisture-wicking with arch support for all-day wear.
  • Cooling Leg Gaiters (Coming Soon): Helps with sunburn and dust exposure on exposed legs.

Pro Tip

On the hottest days, Stevenson Supply & Tractor Co. recommends switching to composite-toe boots (less heat transfer than steel) and pairing with moisture-wicking socks.

7. UV Protection Extras

Sun exposure is no joke, even on cloudy days. While Radians doesn’t make sunscreen, they’ve designed gear that works hand-in-hand with UV protection plans.

Radians Add-Ons

  • RadCool Arm Sleeves: Lightweight and reflective, with full motion range.
  • Cooling Towels as Wraps: Dual purpose for sweat and sun shielding.

Contractor Insight

Sun sleeves should be standard PPE issue, not optional—UV damage adds up fast in summer.

Bonus: FAQ – Summer PPE on the Jobsite

When it comes to summer construction safety equipment, we get asked these questions the most:

What PPE helps prevent heatstroke on job sites?

Cooling vests, neck shades, hi-vis moisture-wicking shirts, and hydration strategies are key.

What are the best safety glasses for hot weather?

Look for anti-fog, UV-protective lenses with wraparound comfort, like the Radians Dagger™ IQ or Rad-Sequel™ Series.

Does ANSI have summer-specific PPE requirements?

ANSI requires performance standards regardless of season, but using compliant products like Class 2 shirts helps meet safety regs and address heat risks.

Keeping Your Crew Cool & Safe – Stevenson Supply & Tractor Co.

At Stevenson Supply & Tractor Co., we’ve been helping contractors outfit their teams with reliable gear since 1908. Our Radians summer PPE lineup is chosen with your crew’s comfort, compliance, and productivity in mind.

📞 Call us at (707) 575-3335 or Contact Us Online

Let’s get your team the gear they need to work safely—because when the heat’s on, the right equipment makes all the difference.

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