What Changes When a Company Provides Air-Conditioned Clothing? The Sense of Security on Site After Mandatory Heatstroke Prevention Measures
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For summer job sites, the biggest concern for a company is likely 'what and how much should we provide to be sufficient?'
If you provide air-conditioned clothing to employees, it seems like it would be well-received on site.
However, after the strengthening of heatstroke prevention measures, what you should look at is not just 'whether or not you distributed air-conditioned clothing.'
Who should they tell if they feel unwell?
Who decides to stop work?
Where can they cool down?
When emergency transport is needed, who do they contact and where?
Only when these things are decided can the site truly feel at ease.
To conclude, company-provided air-conditioned clothing significantly increases the sense of security on site.
However, as a heatstroke prevention measure after it has become mandatory, air-conditioned clothing alone is not enough.
Workwear with fans, such as BURTLE AIRCRAFT, is a strong option. However, you need to see if it is part of a 'system that actually works,' including WBGT meters, rest areas, salt replenishment, cooling vests, spot coolers, emergency contact networks, and heatstroke response manuals.
When a company provides air-conditioned clothing, it first creates an atmosphere where 'dealing with the heat is not left to the individual'
The benefit of company provision is not just about staying cool.
The biggest thing is creating an atmosphere where dealing with the heat is not left to the individual.
If you leave it up to employees to decide whether or not to buy it themselves, there will inevitably be differences.
Some will buy it, while others will endure the heat.
Some will continue to use old fans or weak batteries.
Some will wear sizes that don't fit and end up not using them at all.
If the company provides them, it becomes easier to standardize these things.
For example, the company can decide the following:
・Who to provide them to
・Which sites to wear them at
・How to handle size exchanges
・How to manage fans and batteries
・Who to tell in case of a malfunction
・Whether to keep spare batteries
・How to handle washing and storage
Just having this decided changes how the site perceives it.
'It's okay to say if you're hot'
'You don't have to push yourself'
'The company is looking out for us'
That kind of sense of security is easier to foster.
Burtle AIRCRAFT is a strong candidate for introduction as workwear. For the 2026SS season, they offer specifications that are easy to choose for the workplace, such as full-harness compatible models, ventilation air duct pockets that can hold cooling packs, and unisex designs.
However, the same model is not necessarily suitable for every worksite.
Full-harness compatibility for high-altitude work.
Visibility for security or road work.
Ease of movement for warehouses and logistics.
Heat shielding and the presence of a hood for outdoor work.
Whether it can even be used in environments with dust, fire, welding, or other special conditions.
If you buy in bulk without checking these factors, you may end up with situations where employees say, 'It was provided, but I can't wear it,' or 'It's too dangerous to use.'
Air-conditioned clothing is almost entirely determined by checking the worksite before purchase.
However, air-conditioned clothing alone does not guarantee the 'peace of mind after mandatory measures.'
This is a point we want to clearly distinguish.
Providing air-conditioned clothing is meaningful as a heatstroke prevention measure.
However, the core of the strengthened workplace heatstroke prevention measures effective from June 1, 2025, is not just about distributing clothing.
For applicable tasks, each workplace must establish the following systems and procedures and ensure they are communicated to relevant workers.
・A system for workers to report if they experience symptoms of heatstroke
・A system for anyone who notices a worker potentially suffering from heatstroke to report it
・Procedures for removing workers from the task
・Procedures for cooling the body
・Procedures for connecting to medical examination or treatment as necessary
・Emergency contact network
・Contact information and location of emergency transport destinations
The criteria for target tasks are those expected to be performed for at least 1 hour continuously or more than 4 hours per day in workplaces with a WBGT of 28 degrees or higher, or an ambient temperature of 31 degrees or higher.
In other words, what the company should focus on is,
not 'we distributed air-conditioned clothing,' but whether everyone can act without hesitation when someone feels unwell.
This is the key.
For example, suppose someone at the worksite feels dizzy.
At that moment,
'Take a break'
'Drink some water'
'Keep an eye on things'
It is dangerous if it ends with just these words.
Who stops the work?
Where should they be moved to?
How should they be cooled?
Who reports to the supervisor?
Who decides to call for an ambulance?
Who contacts the hospital and the company?
If even just one sheet of paper is decided upon to this extent, it becomes much easier for the site to operate.
Air-conditioned clothing is a tool for preventing heatstroke.
However, a separate mechanism is needed to help those suspected of having heatstroke.
Having a WBGT meter changes on-site judgment from "it looks hot" to "should we stop today?"
Along with air-conditioned clothing, the WBGT meter is just as important for heatstroke prevention measures.
Looking only at the air temperature can lead to misjudging the heat on-site.
Even at the same 31 degrees, the burden on the body changes on days with high humidity, in places with strong direct sunlight, in warehouses where the wind does not blow through, and near heat sources.
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✨WBGT Meter
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That is precisely why there is meaning in looking at the WBGT value rather than just relying on intuition.
Having a WBGT meter changes the conversations on-site.
Instead of "It looks hot today," it becomes easier to judge:
"The WBGT is high in this area, so let's increase breaks,"
"Let's shorten the afternoon work,"
"Let's put a spot cooler in this section."
Air-conditioned clothing is a tool to help individuals.
A WBGT meter is a tool to help the entire site make decisions.
It is not one or the other; they have different roles.
If you are going to place one, having only one at the entrance of the office might be insufficient.
It is important to measure in places where the heat differs, such as outdoors, in warehouses, factories, loading areas, and near break areas.
Share it at the morning assembly.
Check it again before noon.
Patrol during the hottest time of the afternoon.
Keep records.
If it exceeds the standard, lead it to breaks or shortened work hours.
If you can do this much, the WBGT meter becomes not just a "tool left lying around," but "decision-making material to protect the site."
How to distinguish between BURTLE AIRCRAFT, Air-Conditioned Clothing®, and cooling vests
They tend to be collectively called "air-conditioned clothing" in searches, but strict attention is required.
"Kuchofuku" is a brand name referring to fan-equipped clothing and related products by Kuchofuku Co., Ltd., and is registered as a trademark.
On the other hand, BURTLE AIRCRAFT is BURTLE's series of fan-equipped workwear.
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✨ BURTLE AIRCRAFT
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In articles and internal documents, to avoid confusion, it is safer to distinguish them as follows:
・For general explanations: "fan-equipped workwear"
・When referring to the brand: "Kuchofuku®"
・When considering product options: "BURTLE AIRCRAFT"
It is safer to categorize them this way.
So, which one should the company provide?
It is better to look at compatibility with the work site rather than "which is the most famous."
The strength of BURTLE AIRCRAFT is that you can choose based on design as workwear, the number of models, full-harness compatibility, heat-shielding materials, and ice pack pockets.
On the other hand, there are work sites where fan-equipped workwear is difficult to use.
For example, places with a lot of dust, places where fire is handled, places where wind affects the work, or tasks where the bulkiness of the clothing gets in the way.
In such cases, cooling vests may be more suitable.
While cooling vests make it easier to cool areas close to the body directly, they require managing ice pack replacement, securing a freezer, weight, comfort, and replacement timing.
Spot coolers are a measure to cool the environment rather than individual equipment. They are suitable for break rooms and fixed work areas, but may not reach effectively at sites with a lot of movement.
Break rooms are quite important.
This is because even if you wear air-conditioned clothing, it is difficult to recover if there is no place to cool your body down properly.
The same applies to salt replenishment.
Instead of just saying "please bring" drinks, salt tablets, or oral rehydration solutions, place them in an easily accessible location at the site. Decide who will restock them. Make sure new employees and partner company staff also know where they are.
These small operational details lead to peace of mind at the work site.
What is often overlooked when providing company supplies are the rules for size, charging, laundry, and what to do in case of failure.
Air-conditioned clothing is not just something you buy and distribute.
Since it is used every day, how it is managed makes a difference.
Size is something that is particularly easy to overlook.
If the size is wrong, airflow can be restricted, or it can become difficult to move in. As a result, some people may not wear it even though it was provided.
If possible, you should try to create an opportunity for employees to try them on before making a bulk purchase.
Next is the battery.
Where will they be charged?
Will spares be kept on-site?
Will employees take them home to charge?
What happens if one is lost?
Is there compatibility with older fans or batteries?
Even with Burton AIRCRAFT products, there are compatibility relationships between fans and batteries depending on the model year and part number. For items where compatible models and warnings are detailed, such as the 2026 model AC10 battery or AC10-1/AC10-2 fans, it is best to check them thoroughly before purchasing.
You should also avoid mixing them with other manufacturers' products.
If the manufacturer requires the use of dedicated fans and batteries, mixing them just to save money could lead to malfunctions or accidents.
Laundry rules are also necessary.
Remove the fans and battery.
Wash only the clothing.
Decide who will wash them.
If they are to be shared, decide how to manage hygiene.
In the case of company-provided items, deciding on return procedures upon resignation, handling of damage, additional issuance, and storage locations outside of the summer season will help prevent disputes later on.
Regarding company expenses and accounting, this involves company regulations and tax judgments. Treatment as welfare expenses, supplies expenses, work uniforms, or loaned items may vary from company to company.
It is safer to check with your accounting department, tax accountant, or labor and social security attorney rather than making assumptions.
A Checklist for Creating a Sense of Security on Site
Before providing air-conditioned clothing as a company, it will be easier to organize things if you look at the following items.
Understanding the Heat
□ Is the target work likely to reach a WBGT of 28 degrees or higher, or an air temperature of 31 degrees or higher?
□ Is there work that lasts for more than 1 hour continuously or exceeds 4 hours per day?
□ Have you decided where to place the WBGT meter?
□ Have you decided who will measure it, when, and where?
□ Have you decided whether to share the measurement results during morning assemblies or via notices?
Air-Conditioned Clothing and Cooling Supplies
□ Have you decided who will be provided with air-conditioned clothing?
□ Have you compared models that suit the workplace, such as BURTLE AIRCRAFT?
□ Have you checked for full-harness compatibility, fan positioning, hoods, and heat shielding?
□ Have you decided on size fitting and exchange rules?
□ Have you confirmed compatible models for fans and batteries?
□ Have you decided on spare batteries and charging locations?
□ Have you checked if there are any workplaces that require cooling vests?
□ Have you checked if there are any work areas or break rooms that require spot coolers?
Breaks and Replenishment
□ Have you secured cool break areas?
□ Can you adjust break frequency based on WBGT and work content?
□ Is hydration easily accessible?
□ Is salt replenishment available in a form that can be used on-site?
□ Are oral rehydration solutions and cooling agents kept on hand for emergencies?
Reporting Systems and Procedures
□ Have you decided who to report physical discomfort to?
□ Have you decided who to report to if someone else notices an abnormality?
□ Have you decided who has the authority to stop work?
□ Have you decided on a location to move someone away from the work area?
□ Have you decided on methods for cooling the body?
□ Is the emergency contact network shared?
□ Have you confirmed contact information for transport destinations and medical institutions?
□ Have you created a heatstroke response procedure manual?
□ Are you disseminating information through morning assemblies, bulletin boards, paper documents, or chat?
□ Is the information communicated in a way that reaches new employees, foreign workers, and partner companies?
Looking at this checklist, it becomes clear that air-conditioned clothing is an important part, but not the whole picture.
If it were me, I would 'provide' air-conditioned clothing. However, the first thing to buy is not just the clothing.
If it were me, if there is heat-intensive work in the summer such as outdoor work, warehouse work, factories, logistics, construction, security, or event setup, I would proactively consider company-provided air-conditioned clothing.
Especially for workplaces where 'it's hot but we just have to endure it' has become the norm every year, the significance of company provision is great.
Series like BURTLE AIRCRAFT, which are easy to choose as workwear and have models that are easy to see for each workplace, are candidates.
However, the first thing to buy is not just the clothing.
If it were me, I would organize them in the following order.
WBGT meter and reporting system
Break areas, hydration, and salt replenishment
Emergency contact network and heatstroke response procedure manual
Air-conditioned clothing, cooling vests, and spare batteries
Environmental equipment such as spot coolers
Of course, the order changes depending on the workplace.
If it is a company where break areas are already well-equipped, I think it is fine to proceed with providing air-conditioned clothing first.
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✨BURTLE AIRCRAFT
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Conversely, if there is no break area and no clear reporting procedure, simply distributing air-conditioned clothing will not provide much of a sense of security.
Air-conditioned clothing is a tool that tells the site, 'The company is not ignoring the heat.'
However, if it ends there, workers will be at a loss when an emergency actually occurs.
Distribute air-conditioned clothing.
Monitor WBGT.
Take breaks.
Replenish water and salt.
Report any abnormalities.
Stop work.
Cool the body.
Connect to medical care if necessary.
Only when these steps form a single, cohesive process does it truly become a 'sense of security on site.'
Summary
When a company provides air-conditioned clothing, a very clear change occurs on site.
Heat is no longer left to the individual.
It is considered a measure rather than something to be endured.
It conveys that the company is monitoring summer risks.
It becomes easier to standardize wearing rules and battery management.
These are significant benefits.
However, what should be looked at after the mandatory heatstroke prevention measures is not just whether air-conditioned clothing has been distributed.
Understand the heat using a WBGT meter.
Prepare break areas.
Make it easy to replenish water and salt.
Use cooling vests or spot coolers as needed.
Create an emergency contact network and heatstroke response manual.
Inform all relevant workers.
Only when these are in place does the value of air-conditioned clothing come to life.
Whether it is BURTLE AIRCRAFT, Air-Conditioned Clothing®, cooling vests, or WBGT meters, none of these are perfect on their own.
Each has a different role.
Finally, this is the one sentence I want to leave you with.
Distributing air-conditioned clothing is not the end of heatstroke prevention, but the beginning of building a system where the site can say, 'It is okay not to push yourself.'