UK Heatwave - How to Cope with the Heat Whilst at Work

With temperatures soaring into the 30’s this week it is really important that both employers and employees know how to look after themselves whilst working.

In the UK there is no maximum temperature that a workplace is allowed to be, rather advice from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) states, “during working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable”. What is reasonable depends on the type of work being done (manual, office, etc.) and the type of workplace (kitchen, air conditions office etc.). The HSE offers further guidance on workplace temperatures using the following link; www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/index.htm

Some companies may relax their company dress code during the hot weather as wearing suits or formal clothing can be extremely uncomfortable over the summer months. Having a summer dress code, or informing staff that the normal dress code is relaxed will help staff feel more comfortable in the office. It will however be important to have some rules in place, for example, a summer dress code can require business dress but state males do not have to wear ties.

It is easy for employees to feel less engaged and motivated when the weather is nice outside and they have to work. This can lead to some people taking a day or two off sick in order to make the most of it. Employers can however take some very simple steps to show employees that they are valued and appreciated – these will help motivate them and reduce absenteeism. Things like getting ice lollies/ice cream in, cold drinks or summer snacks. Some businesses also like to give an early finish in order to provide incentives to employees to hit their targets and get work done.

For those workers who predominantly work outside, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) is calling on employers to make sure their staff working outdoors are properly protected from the sun and the heat. Working in hot weather can lead to dehydration, tiredness, muscle cramps, rashes, fainting and in the most severe cases, loss of consciousness. The TUC suggests employers work with their H&S reps and introduce the following measures to protect their staff that work outdoors when the temperatures rise:

1.     Allow staff to take frequent breaks and provide a supply of drinking water

2.     Review working times so that outside work is done in the morning and afternoon, rather than between 11am-3pm when temperatures are highest.

3.     Provide canopies or covering over open areas such as building sites, and provide shaded areas for breaks.

4.     Ensure that outdoor workers are supplied with sunscreen and are given advice on the need to protect themselves from the heat and sun.

5.     Provide lightweight brimmed hats for all outdoor workers and make sure that any protective clothing is lightweight, long sleeved and comfortable, but dense enough to prevent UV rays from getting through.

6.     Provide information on avoiding exposure to harmful UV radiation, ensuring that advice is available in other languages for migrant workers.

Heat can also be a problem for workers whose job involves driving. This is dangerous as any driver suffering from fatigue is a major risk to both themselves and other people. Employers should ensure that any member of staff who drives as part of their job, take regular rest breaks and ideally provide them with air conditioned cars/vans/lorries.

 For more information on how to manage your staff in times of very hot weather, get in touch using ‘Get in Touch’ tab.