Shop Finds Creative Way to Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses

August 16, 2012by Aaron Allison

This summer has been one of the hottest on record. For anyone who works outside during the summer months safety must become a priority when temperatures reach into the triple digits. In Austin, the daily highs have frequently toped 100 degrees and can result in heat-related workplace illnesses.

One businessperson in Tulsa came up with a unique solution. He worked in an auto performance shop and found long pants were extremely hot over the summer. His solution was to wear a kilt.

What he discovered was that kilts were cooler than shorts. His shop has an Irish name and branding, so they fit right in, even though they require a certain amount of etiquette. The owner and several employees now wear kilts from May to October.

While kilts are not the solution for every workplace, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends water, rest and shade.

Aaron Allison