Abstract: A protective headgear, such as a hard hat, is provided that comprises a protective outer shell, which surrounds the head of a wearer and in so doing defines a space between the head of the wearer and the underside of the outer shell; a heat-absorbing member; and a forced air ventilation apparatus. In use, the heat-absorbing member is positioned within the outer shell in the space formed between the head of the wearer and the outer shell, so that the forced air ventilation apparatus can provide a flow of ambient air from outside of the outer shell over the heat-absorbing pad within the space between the head of the wearer and the underside of the outer shell, thereby creating a cooling circulation of air around the head and face of the wearer. Suitably, the heat-absorbing pad comprises a phase-change material (PCM). The headgear may also comprise temperature sensors and systems for monitoring the temperature of the wearer remotely.