Posted Date: 12th July 2022
On Monday 11th July, the Met Office issued a Level 3 Heatwave Action alert for the up-and-coming week. It has highlighted risks, particularly for older people, those with health conditions and infants.
Although working in a heatwave can be dangerous, employees do not have the right to stop working if it gets too hot and there isn’t a legal minimum or maximum required temperate for UK workplaces.
However, employers do have a duty of care to provide a safe working environment and you need to try, as reasonably possible, to keep the temperate at an acceptable level to prevent any serious health risks. You should be especially aware of those with health conditions and how the heat could affect them.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 mandate that employers must assess health and safety risks and hazards, which includes the temperature of the workplace.
How can we keep the workplace and employees cool?
- Close blinds and curtains of rooms which face the sun, to keep the room cooler
- Adopt flexible home-working practices, if possible, if employees are more comfortable at home
- Amend start and finish times – starting earlier when its cooler, and finishing earlier, to avoid busy and crowded commutes
- Encourage employees to drink fluids regularly
- Relax uniform and dress code policies if possible and encourage employees to wear cool, breathable fabrics
- If you don’t have air con, invest in multiple fans
- Speak with employees – do they have any ideas on ways to work more comfortably, particularly those with health conditions or disabilities
- Allow short, frequent breaks to encourage employees to get cold drinks
For those working outside…
- Workers should be encouraged to use sun cream and UV protection sunglasses or goggles
- Introduce shading in areas where individuals are working
- Encourage the removal of personal protective equipment when resting to help encourage heat loss
- Educate workers about recognising the early symptoms of heat stress
Failing to provide reasonable adjustments in a heatwave could have serious implications for workers who have safety-critical roles, as high temperatures can affect levels of concentration.
Employers should assess the risk for each task and individuals, rather than a blanket approach for all workers.
For any queries, or support with your health and safety and HR requirements, please contact us.