--- title: Preparing now to support workers through Summer description: Prepare your workforce for summer heat with effective hydration and cooling solutions to ensure safety and productivity. image: https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hubfs/SS%20PIP.png --- [Skip to the main content.](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/preparing-now-to-support-workers-through-summer#main-content) [![Blackwoods Expert+](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/BWMA26-0681%20Blackwoods_Expert%20Plus%20(1).jpg?width=2073&height=493&name=BWMA26-0681%20Blackwoods_Expert%20Plus%20(1).jpg "Blackwoods Expert+")](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/expert-plus) [![Blackwoods Expert+](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/BWMA26-0681%20Blackwoods_Expert%20Plus.jpg?width=2073&height=493&name=BWMA26-0681%20Blackwoods_Expert%20Plus.jpg "Blackwoods Expert+")](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/expert-plus) - [Safety](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/safety) - Industries - [Manufacturing](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/manufacturing) - [Utilities](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/utilities) - [Construction](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/construction) - [Mining](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/mining) - Content Types - [Articles](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au) - [Videos](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfA8meUWjOmhLQKsUGnLOsQ/featured) - [Catalogues](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/catalogues) - [Events](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/tradeshows) Search [Shop Now](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJKBRVYGEi1kYk6Tr%2FeYuxC38seJfDvw6eoTuOvNyFXrnfbrRzHMycjkDLjD9uDKzBW%2F0rzTTcMAy5MhxouRBWDIHdBEPgdURPs5K8yM3IgUlJVYC0wgLaNPID3rGfSIl%2BZe4I3AOl1nwRrdsN0MD7ScauvzV%2BbOLU6ejZWSYT9Ew%3D%3D&portalId=7298381) Toggle Menu Search Toggle Menu [Shop Now](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJKBRVYGEi1kYk6Tr%2FeYuxC38seJfDvw6eoTuOvNyFXrnfbrRzHMycjkDLjD9uDKzBW%2F0rzTTcMAy5MhxouRBWDIHdBEPgdURPs5K8yM3IgUlJVYC0wgLaNPID3rGfSIl%2BZe4I3AOl1nwRrdsN0MD7ScauvzV%2BbOLU6ejZWSYT9Ew%3D%3D&portalId=7298381) - [Safety](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/safety) - Industries - [Manufacturing](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/manufacturing) - [Utilities](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/utilities) - [Construction](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/construction) - [Mining](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/mining) - Content Types - [Articles](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au) - [Videos](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfA8meUWjOmhLQKsUGnLOsQ/featured) - [Catalogues](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/catalogues) - [Events](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/tradeshows) 2 min read # Preparing now to support workers through Summer [![Picture of PIP Australia](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hubfs/pip.jpg) PIP Australia](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/author/pip-australia) : 6 October 2026 Preparing now to support workers through Summer 4:08 Summer’s coming! That means now’s a good time for organisations to plan how they will keep their workers hydrated and cool during the hottest part of the year. Helping workers beat the heat is essential. Safe Work Australia notes that a too-hot workplace can cause [fatigue](https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/fatigue/overview?utm_source=chatgpt.com), reducing reaction times and alertness. [Working in the heat](https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/guide-managing-risks-working-heat?utm_source=chatgpt.com) can lead to dehydration, heat stress and heat stroke. Impaired concentration can increase the risk of mistakes. As the [World Health Organisation](https://wmo.int/news/media-centre/who-wmo-issue-new-report-and-guidance-protect-workers-from-increasing-heat-stress) points out, productivity drops by 2-3% for every degree above 20°C. Hotter temperatures, humidity and harsh sun can dial up the pressure on mining and construction sites, agricultural properties and in warehouses, transport and logistics. Office and data centre workers can feel the effects of summer too. Workers might turn up for a shift a bit dehydrated in the first place, from a hot night or a long commute. A hydration and cooling program implemented before summer arrives can help keep workers safe and productive. ### **Structured hydration programs.** Luke Michael, THORZT Brand Manager at PIP Safety, says a structured hydration program starts with determining the hydration status of workers. A simple urine test can help workers understand their baseline when they arrive for a shift. Pre-shift toolbox talks educate them around the intake of fluids and the risks of heat-related illness. Workers then have a few days to implement any changes, such as drinking more regularly or adding electrolyte drinks into their fluid intake, before another test to see how they are tracking. > *“By having a plan set up and organised well in advance, it allow workers to understand what they need to do in terms of hydration, and it really sets boundaries for employers as well,” Luke says. “There’s a lot of things that can be implemented, including reducing time in the heat and changing the workload to earlier or later on in the day, mandatory hydration breaks, shaded areas for breaks, hydration products and cooling apparel.”* ### **Solutions to support workers in the heat.** In addition to assisting with testing and toolbox talks, THORZT offers a range of heat management products. These include hypotonic hydration products that are designed for fast absorption, drink bottles and cooling apparel. [THORZT hydration shots](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/searchpage#q=THORZT%20hydration%20shots&f-ec_category_level1=Health%20%26%20Wellbeing) contain sodium, potassium, magnesium, a proprietary blend of B and C group vitamins, L-glutamine and essential branch chain amino acids. They are great for industrial use, featuring natural flavours, colours and sweeteners. The sugar-free shots come in a convenient [pack](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/health-wellbeing/hydration/thorzt-sugar-free-solo-shot/thorzt-solo-shots-sugar-free-natural-flavours-pack-of-50/p/04560747) of 50, with assorted flavours including grape, mango and pineapple, and strawberry and watermelon. The 2L [cooler](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/health-wellbeing/hydration/thorzt-bottles-accessories/thorzt-drink-flask-vacumm-stainless-steel-2l/p/04560696) can help make sure workers have hydration to hand. Made of 18/8 stainless steel, it features vacuum insulation and double walls to keep liquid cold for up to 24 hours. THORZT [icy poles](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/health-wellbeing/hydration/thortz-electolyte-ice-pole/thorzt-electrolyte-ice-pole-pack-10-icemix/p/00795927) are ideal for heavy physical activity. They have the same formula as the shots and are low in sugar and gluten and caffeine free. The five-flavour mixed pack of 10 includes blue lemonade, lemon lime, orange, tropical and wild berry. In addition to hydration, cooling apparel can also help workers stay cool and comfortable. The THORZT hi vis cooling [scarf](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/clothing/accessories-ties-scarves-belts/thorzt-cshvy-scarf/thorzt-cshvy-cooling-scarf-hi-vis-microfiber-evaporative-cooling-yellow/p/03341796) is made of lightweight microfibre and can wrap around the neck and head, protecting from heat, sun, dust and debris. There’s also a handy [chill towel](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/clothing/accessories-bags-belts-armbands-tape/thorzt-csb-towel/thorzt-csb-chill-towel-blue/p/03341847) that can help comfort and cool the skin, as well as help keep workers cool and comfortable in hot conditions. Both products work via evaporative cooling. ## Available at Blackwoods - Your safety equipment partner. Blackwoods is proud to offer [THORZT](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/thorzt/b/560605) as part of our commitment to keeping Australian workers safe. As the country’s largest provider of industrial and safety equipment, we’ve got everything you need to protect your team. Talk to your Blackwoods representative about a site hydration program before summer, including [THORZT](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/thorzt/b/560605) hydration products and cooling solutions. [![04560747](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/04560747.png?width=400&height=400&name=04560747.png)](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/health-wellbeing/hydration/thorzt-sugar-free-solo-shot/thorzt-solo-shots-sugar-free-natural-flavours-pack-of-50/p/04560747) [**[Thorzt Solo Shots](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/health-wellbeing/hydration/thorzt-sugar-free-solo-shot/thorzt-solo-shots-sugar-free-natural-flavours-pack-of-50/p/04560747)**](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/health-wellbeing/hydration/thorzt-sugar-free-solo-shot/thorzt-solo-shots-sugar-free-natural-flavours-pack-of-50/p/04560747) [![00795927](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/00795927.jpg?width=400&height=400&name=00795927.jpg)](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/health-wellbeing/hydration/thortz-electolyte-ice-pole/thorzt-electrolyte-ice-pole-pack-10-icemix/p/00795927) [**[Thorzt Electrolyte](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/health-wellbeing/hydration/thortz-electolyte-ice-pole/thorzt-electrolyte-ice-pole-pack-10-icemix/p/00795927)**](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/health-wellbeing/hydration/thortz-electolyte-ice-pole/thorzt-electrolyte-ice-pole-pack-10-icemix/p/00795927) [![04560696](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/04560696.png?width=400&height=400&name=04560696.png)](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/health-wellbeing/hydration/thorzt-bottles-accessories/thorzt-drink-flask-vacumm-stainless-steel-2l/p/04560696) [**[Thorzt Drink Flask Vacumm](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/health-wellbeing/hydration/thorzt-bottles-accessories/thorzt-drink-flask-vacumm-stainless-steel-2l/p/04560696)**](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/health-wellbeing/hydration/thorzt-bottles-accessories/thorzt-drink-flask-vacumm-stainless-steel-2l/p/04560696) [![03341796](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/03341796.png?width=400&height=400&name=03341796.png)](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/clothing/accessories-ties-scarves-belts/thorzt-cshvy-scarf/thorzt-cshvy-cooling-scarf-hi-vis-microfiber-evaporative-cooling-yellow/p/03341796) [**[Thorzt CSHVY Cooling Scarf](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/clothing/accessories-ties-scarves-belts/thorzt-cshvy-scarf/thorzt-cshvy-cooling-scarf-hi-vis-microfiber-evaporative-cooling-yellow/p/03341796)**](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/clothing/accessories-ties-scarves-belts/thorzt-cshvy-scarf/thorzt-cshvy-cooling-scarf-hi-vis-microfiber-evaporative-cooling-yellow/p/03341796) [![03341847](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hubfs/03341847.png)](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/clothing/accessories-bags-belts-armbands-tape/thorzt-csb-towel/thorzt-csb-chill-towel-blue/p/03341847) [**[Thorzt CSB Chill Towel](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/clothing/accessories-bags-belts-armbands-tape/thorzt-csb-towel/thorzt-csb-chill-towel-blue/p/03341847)**](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/clothing/accessories-bags-belts-armbands-tape/thorzt-csb-towel/thorzt-csb-chill-towel-blue/p/03341847) [SHOP THORZT](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/thorzt/b/560605#f-ec_brand_id=560605) [![thorzt logo](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/thorzt%20logo.jpg?width=382&height=83&name=thorzt%20logo.jpg)](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/thorzt/b/560605#f-ec_brand_id=560605) [Safety](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/safety) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## **Read related articles** [![Taking the heat off construction workers](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hubfs/Thortz%20IIC%20Blog%20Image.png)](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/taking-the-heat-off-construction-workers) #### [Taking the heat off construction workers](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/taking-the-heat-off-construction-workers) ![Picture of PIP Australia](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/pip.jpg?width=30&name=pip.jpg) [PIP Australia](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/author/pip-australia) : 15 September 2026 Workers in construction face challenging conditions. Heat, heavy PPE and physically demanding, high-intensity tasks can leave them struggling to stay... [Construction](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/construction) [Read More](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/taking-the-heat-off-construction-workers) [![A fit-for-purpose fall arrest solution for women](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hubfs/PIP.png)](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/a-fit-for-purpose-fall-arrest-solution-for-women) #### [A fit-for-purpose fall arrest solution for women](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/a-fit-for-purpose-fall-arrest-solution-for-women) ![Picture of PIP Australia](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/pip.jpg?width=30&name=pip.jpg) [PIP Australia](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/author/pip-australia) : 23 July 2026 For years, women working at heights on construction sites and in warehouses have been wearing smaller versions of men’s safety harnesses. 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