Heat stress refers to the load placed on the body when it’s exposed to elevated temperatures—often combined with high humidity and intense physical labour.
A variety of sectors are impacted: metallurgy, foundries, mining, industrial laundries, commercial kitchens, construction, agriculture—but also any outdoor work during heatwaves.
The effects of heat are numerous: fatigue, excessive sweating, headaches, nausea, cramps, dizziness…
These symptoms, frequently dismissed, can signal serious conditions such as dehydration or heat stroke—a life‑threatening emergency that may lead to loss of consciousness and, in 15 to 25 % of cases, death (according to the INRS).
In addition to physiological impacts, heat reduces vigilance, slows reaction times and weakens fine motor skills—thereby increasing the risk of work‑related accidents.
Recognising these issues, public authorities are strengthening the regulations: in France, the decree of May 27, 2025 now requires employers to carry out a systematic risk assessment related to intense heat episodes and to implement appropriate measures (work organisation, additional breaks, provision of drinking water, etc.).
At PENTA Electrical Safety Products, we know that protecting workers isn’t just about legal compliance—it’s about preserving their health, productivity and well‑being.
Here are best practices to adopt in order to mitigate heat stress:
• Adjust work schedules: it’s best to work during the cooler hours of the day.
• Increase break frequency and promote hydration: according to the INRS, it’s recommended to drink between 0.5 L/hour and 1 L/hour.
• Establish shaded or ventilated zones: modifications to the work environment are necessary for the safety of the team.
• Provide appropriate equipment that allows comfort and reduces thermal stress.
Our teams develop and distribute innovative equipment to address heat‑related risks, designed to integrate into the most demanding industrial settings.
These solutions do not replace organisational measures, but effectively complement them by delivering a direct response to thermal load.
The CryoVest® is a thermoregulating vest designed to provide effective protection for workers exposed to extreme temperatures (over 50 °C).
Certified in real field conditions at ArcelorMittal, this vest has demonstrated its ability to reduce cardiovascular load, delay dehydration, improve thermal comfort and safeguard memory, attention and coordination.
Thus, the CryoVest® becomes an essential tool for preventing heat stress.
Physiologically, the CryoVest® helps stabilise heart rate, limit sweating and maintain the body’s hydration level.
The benefits are significant in terms of thermal comfort, recovery post‑effort and preservation of cognitive functions—thus reducing the number of mistakes and exposure to heat‑related accident risks.
Its use is straightforward: after freezing, the cooling packs are inserted into the Velcro‑secured pockets.
The vest is easily adjusted with elastic straps.
Fully machine‑washable, it withstands many usage cycles, and the packs can be reused up to 60 times.
Want to know more? Check out the CryoVest® product sheet.