Forum: Study standard heat-friendly work clothes for outdoor workers

I read with interest the article, “Hot and bothered: Can Singapore’s outdoor workers beat the rising heat?” (Oct 7). 

For a long time, I have wondered if the Ministry of Manpower could consider creating occupational protective clothing standards and mandate that construction companies provide their workers with a set of heat-friendly work clothes that they can wear during work.

I often see workers at construction sites wearing their own clothes, such as full-sleeved shirts, T-shirts and jeans. On top of these clothes, they wear high-visibility vests. Surely, this is not comfortable in the heat. 

Mandating proper tradesmen clothes, which are worn in most other developed countries including Australia, will achieve a few objectives.

The first advantage is having fewer heat-related health conditions since these clothes can be made of appropriate sweat-wicking material, which many of us wear to exercise. 

These clothes can also be made highly visible, which takes away the need to wear a high-visibility vest. 

This would also bring about a more uniform look to work sites. 

I hope the ministry can consider this suggestion for the well-being of migrant workers in the construction and building sector.

We owe it to them to look after and improve their well-being. 

Rahul Gupta