Matsushin Co., Ltd. Introduces Original Polo Shirts Designed by Female Employees to Balance Heatstroke Countermeasures and Workability

Since its founding in 1974, Matsushin Co., Ltd. (Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture; President and CEO Tetsuya Nagata), a provider of rebar construction solutions, has distributed original design polo shirts developed by its female employees to all staff as part of its heatstroke countermeasures, extending beyond the construction site, in anticipation of the summer of 2026.

For site work, wearing long sleeves is mandatory to prevent injuries. Therefore, the company has been providing fan-equipped workwear every two years. However, workers remain in long sleeves until they return home after completing their site tasks. Wearing long sleeves in such conditions increases the risk of heatstroke due to the intense heat. To address this, the company is introducing apparel with excellent breathability and functionality for commuting to and from work sites, promoting both safety and a comfortable working environment.

Furthermore, as part of environmental conservation efforts, the aim is for office staff to wear these polo shirts as part of their Cool Biz attire.

Left: Men's version Right: Women's version

■ Background of Introduction: Environmental Differences at Construction Sites Pose a Challenge; Uniform Measures Fall Short of Preventing Heatstroke Risk

In recent years, heatstroke-related casualties in the workplace have been on an increasing trend, posing a serious issue particularly in the construction industry, which involves outdoor work. The construction industry also accounts for a high proportion of casualties by industry type, necessitating effective measures tailored to site environments.

However, since temperatures and work content vary at each site, uniform measures are often difficult to implement effectively, leaving practical challenges.

Amidst this situation, our company decided to introduce polo shirts as a measure aligned with the actual conditions. For female employees, the uniform policy has been reviewed, allowing them to work in just a polo shirt.

Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 2024 (Reiwa 6) Status of Heatstroke Casualties in the Workplace (Final Figures)

■ Features of Matsushin's Original Polo Shirts

(1) Adoption of Polo Shirts with Excellent Breathability and Quick-Drying Properties, Easy to Wear Regardless of Age or Gender

As global warming progresses, suppressing body temperature is a crucial element of safety when exposed to direct sunlight outdoors. Therefore, our company aims to improve comfort and reduce heatstroke risk by using materials with conductive fibers and UV protection functions for site and male employees. For female office staff, we have adopted quick-drying materials and added design elements such as lines on the cuffs, balancing functionality with aesthetics. The quick-drying fabric reduces discomfort from sweat, contributing to sustained concentration during work. Furthermore, the design is easy to wear for all ages and genders, making it accessible for all employees. We selected this item as a highly practical garment that can be widely used not only at work sites but also from daily tasks to arrival at the site.

(2) Original Design by a First-Year Female Employee

Polo Shirt Design

The polo shirts feature an original design created by a first-year female employee. The goal was to create a garment that employees could feel attached to, rather than just a piece of workwear. This participatory initiative, transcending the boundaries between the field and back office, also contributes to fostering a sense of unity within the company. In addition to functionality, the design reflecting the employees' perspective is a key feature of this initiative. Adopting a unified design for all employees also helps to build internal cohesion.

■ Matsushin Actively Engages in Work Style Reform Aiming to Balance Safety and Workability

Looking ahead to the changing thermal environment due to climate change, Matsushin will continue to strengthen safety measures not only in terms of clothing but also through equipment and operational improvements. By creating an environment where each employee can work with peace of mind, we aim to contribute to the realization of sustainable construction.

In addition to providing polo shirts, our company implements comprehensive heatstroke countermeasures, including thorough hydration and salt intake, utilization of fan-equipped workwear, and ensuring regular breaks. We strive to operate effective safety measures by responding flexibly according to site conditions.

ORS tablets are dissolved in water for nutritional supplementation.

【Company Profile】

Matsushin Co., Ltd., under its slogan "Changing the Norms of the Construction Industry," is a comprehensive rebar solution company that handles integrated management from material ordering, processing, construction, and transportation, primarily focusing on contracting for all types of rebar work.

Its strengths lie in its "site capabilities," which include reliable construction quality provided by skilled technicians and state-of-the-art equipment, as well as safety management, site beautification, and building good relationships with local residents. The company was an early adopter of a monthly salary system and welfare benefits in the construction industry, where daily wages are the norm.

With management focused on the future of its workers, it has achieved an overwhelming employee retention rate of 4%. Under the leadership of President Nagata, who understands the field, and Chairman Matsumoto, who inspires people, Matsushin continues to strive for the realization of a "construction industry where people can work with pride."

Company Name: Matsushin Co., Ltd.

Address: 236-1 Ose, Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture

Representative Director and President: Miyuki Matsumoto

President and CEO: Tetsuya Nagata

Capital: 10,000,000 Yen

URL: https://www.matsushin.co.jp/

Established: April 1974

Industry: Rebar construction, scaffolding and civil engineering (Permit from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (General-7) No. 27847)