Inside the Quest to Cool Down Construction Workers: A 6°C Helmet and a €100 Billion Heat Plan

Across Germany, workers in construction, delivery services and care professions are struggling under record heat. Employers have responded with water stations, fans and break areas. But a growing number of manufacturers are now pushing technical breakthroughs in protective gear — including a helmet that cuts interior temperatures by six degrees.

The Japanese firm Jutoku has developed a technology it calls Breeze Duct A, designed for safety helmets. According to the company, the system lowers the temperature inside the helmet headgear by roughly six degrees Celsius. A public demonstration is scheduled for July 2026 at a trade fair for occupational safety in Tokyo.

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Swiss regulations set the bar for safety footwear

On Swiss construction sites, safety shoes meeting Class S3 under standard EN ISO 20345 are mandatory in many areas. Both Suva and the Swiss Coordination Commission for Occupational Safety (EKAS) recommend these models, particularly for shell construction, civil engineering and roofing.

The key requirement: a combination of a waterproof upper and a puncture-resistant midsole capable of withstanding at least 1100 newtons. Depending on the weather, additional classes such as WR (water resistance) or CI and HI (cold and heat insulation) apply. With proper care, the average lifespan of such boots ranges from 12 to 18 months. One important point for employees: the employer must provide the protective gear at no cost.

Industry responds with cooler helmets and lighter sneakers

Midori Anzen is launching a new electrostatic safety sneaker with a wide plastic toe cap. The model, designated ISA-805S, will later be sold under a revised article number. Meanwhile, changes are coming for women's workwear: from June 2026, specialised work trousers will combine durability with an adapted fit.

A growing number of manufacturers are also addressing individual foot shapes. Würth MODYF, for example, offers a multi-width system with various insoles and shoe widths up to extra-large sizes. That helps workers with broader feet or conditions such as hallux valgus.

The trend extends beyond the workplace. While premium brands like Birkenstock rely on high-quality footbeds, discounters such as Lidl offer cheaper alternatives under their own labels — often using combinations of leather and textiles.

Politicians promise billions for heat protection — but cities see a shortfall

The debate over heat protection at both company and municipal level has reached the political arena. Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider has called on local authorities to step up their efforts. Federal funding of 100 billion euros is earmarked to be made available by 2040.

While cities wait for heat action funding, proactive employers are already using proven resources to stay compliant. The free Health & Safety Toolkit — trusted by over 37,000 UK businesses — gives you instant access to risk assessments, checklists, and toolbox talks covering fire safety, PPE, first aid, and more. Get the free Health & Safety Toolkit

Yet the German Association of Cities estimates the actual investment needed at around 30 billion euros. Without guaranteed financing, implementation of heat action plans remains difficult — especially since heat protection is still a voluntary task in many places.

On the ground, businesses are improvising. Hotels are using ice cubes to cool indoor spaces. Mobile nursing services hand out small fans to their staff. When the mercury hits record levels, every degree counts.

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