WORKING CONDITIONS IN A HEATWAVE

With daytime temperatures expected to exceed 30 degrees celsius, as an employer, it's

important that you know what's expected of you.

In times of cold weather, the Health & Safety Executive suggests a minimum

temperature of 16 degrees celsius (reducing to 13 degrees if the work is indoors and

involves 'severe physical effort').

Contrary to popular belief however, there is not a suggested maximum temperature for

places of work. When temperatures rise, the level of comfort for your staff is dependent

on a variety of other things including humidity and air circulation. In short, during hot

weather there is no one single factor that easily determines whether or not working

conditions are reasonable.

What is expected of you as an employer during a heatwave?

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, place a legal obligation

on you to provide a 'reasonable' temperature in the workplace, which is inherently open

to interpretation. However, you can find out more about the specific effects of hot

weather - such as dehydration and 'heat stress' on this section of the HSE website, with

specific advice on heat stress contained in this free HSE Guide to Heat Stress.

If your staff work in direct sunlight, you should also consider looking at the HSE's guide

to Health Risks from working in the sun. If appropriate, sharing this information with your

employees will at least demonstrate that you have gone some way towards warning

them of the potential effects of the heatwave.

Although the law on safe temperatures in the workplace is not very prescriptive, you

might also consider some other common-sense steps to help make the heatwave more

manageable for your staff:

Check that temperatures are acceptable, and specifically ask staff to notify you if

temperatures get too high

Ensure that staff have adequate access to drinking water and that those entitled to

breaks are taking them

Consider temporarily relaxing your dress code, if appropriate for the duration of the

heatwave

Remember that the heat will also affect other visitors to your office such as suppliers and

customers, so ensure that they too remain comfortable

Don't forget to ensure that all windows and doors are closed at the end of the day, and

try to avoid leaving fire doors open, even during the day

Showing a bit of flexibility during the heatwave is not just about Health & Safety though -

it will also help your business feel more 'human' and help build relationships with your

employees.

Contact us for help and advice.

01723 357628

mh@asgreen.co.uk