Employers need to act to make sure their workers are protected during periods of extreme hot weather this summer. Employers must assess risks to the health and safety of their workers by law, including risks from extreme weather such as heat waves. While there is no legal maximum temperature for workplaces, heat is classed as a hazard and should be treated like other hazards.
Who is at risk?
the answer is anyone, however, any professional who spends most of their workday outside may benefit from reviewing heat safety tips. This includes construction workers, gardeners/ landscapers and tradespeople. Similarly, health care professionals also need to understand heat safety to advise communities during heatwaves.
What do you need to look out for?
When working in the heat, it’s also important to understand the signs of heat-related illnesses in yourself and those around you so you can take action and prevent more serious illnesses.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Muscle cramps
- Flushed face
- Feelings of fatigue
- Dizziness
- Over-sweating
In contrast, signs of heat stroke, the next phase after exhaustion, include:
- Little-to-no sweating
- Rapid pulse
- Confusion
- Inability to speak properly
- Above-average body temperatures
Legislation
- The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 requires employers to provide their staff with, among other things, a safe and healthy working environment and safe systems of work.
- The Work Place Health Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992 require that the workplace shall be maintained at a reasonable temperature and that a drinking water supply must be provided. Adequate provision must be made for ventilation by fresh or artificially purified air.
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to assess the risk to health and safety of their employees arising out of the work activity including the environment in which it takes place to determine the precautions they need to take to protect employee’s health and safety. There is no specific maximum temperature as what is “reasonable” will depend on the nature of the work carried on.
With record high temperatures seen in Great Britain last summer – employers need to take action to protect those working both inside and outside in extreme heat. There is no legal maximum temperature for workplaces but the regulator is calling on employers to be responsible.
What can you do to prepare for the extreme heat?
- Wear light coloured and light-weighted clothing
- Drink water consistently throughout the day
- Have frequent breaks and avoid being in hot areas or in direct sunlight when breaking
- Apply the correct factor and the correct amount of sun cream
- Using PPE such as hats, sunglasses, fans and items to create shade from the sun
Another good heat safety tip is to prepare for working in the heat in advance. This means reviewing weather reports and referencing the heat index. If you live in a humid climate, it may also help to look at the humidity levels for the day. By understanding weather conditions, you can take extra precautions like wearing the right clothes, taking adequate breaks and working during lower temperature points during the day.
Once your workday ends, you can promote your health and well-being by taking time to rest indoors, in a preferably air-conditioned or cool space. This means refraining from additional outdoor activities to give your body time to properly cool down. Resting inside limits your sun and heat exposure and helps maintain your body for the next day of work.
For any further advice, phone us on 01691 688723 or email us at info@mbo.ltd and we will be happy to assist you.
Source of information: HSE: Information about health and safety at work