KEEP YOUR TEAM SAFE & COOL IN THE HEAT

The numbers are significant. Research published in Nature Climate Change found that heat stress costs Australian businesses approximately AUD $721 per worker per year in lost productivity and absenteeism — representing a national economic burden of over AUD $6.8 billion annually (Zander et al., Nature Climate Change, Vol. 5, pp. 647–652, 2015).

Beyond the financial impact, heat stress increases the risk of workplace accidents, reduces concentration and decision-making, and places your duty of care obligations under pressure.

Traditional air conditioning cools the environment. Personal cooling vests cool the person — which is far more efficient, particularly for outdoor workers, factory environments and anyone working in PPE where air conditioning simply isn't an option.

According to the Australian Government (energy.gov.au), heating and cooling accounts for 20–50% of workplace energy costs depending on climate zone. Personal cooling vests require no energy infrastructure — just water or a refrigerator for the PAC range — making them a cost-effective complement or alternative to fixed cooling systems.

An evaporative cooling vest costs under AUD $290. Compare that to AUD $721 per worker per year in heat-related productivity losses recorded in 2014 — a figure that, given rising temperatures and wages, is almost certainly higher today. Multiple peer-reviewed studies confirm that reducing heat stress improves work performance, reduces absenteeism and extends effective working capacity. Workers stay on task, maintain concentration and complete shifts safely. That's a stabilised, steady productivity return from day one — at a fraction of the cost of fixed cooling infrastructure.

SafeWork NSW recommends providing cooling vests for workers in extreme heat conditions — a practical, low-cost control measure that supports your duty of care obligations.