Employer Responsibilities in Heatwaves.
Employers across the South West are being reminded that rising temperatures bring important health and safety responsibilities. In these circumstances it’s a requirement of businesses to assess and manage hot weather risks in the workplace.
Andrew Wilkinson, founder of Secure Safety Solutions in Swindon, urges employers not to underestimate the effect of high temperatures on workers. In particular as summer temperatures continue to rise across the UK.
Minimum and maximum
He said: ‘There’s no legal maximum workplace temperature in the UK. But employers have a duty under health and safety legislation to protect workers from heat-related risks. The workplace (health, safety and welfare) regulations expect employers to provide a reasonable indoor temperature. While the management of health and safety at work regulations requires businesses to assess workplace risks and put suitable controls in place.’
For construction companies, the construction (design and management) regulations expects reasonable temperatures in indoor working areas. And appropriate protection from adverse weather for those working outdoors. Employers must maintain site welfare facilities at a suitable temperature.
‘It surprises many employers to learn that there’s no maximum legal workplace temperature in the UK,’ said Andrew who is a health and safety expert with 20 years’ experience.
Yet, that does not mean businesses can ignore the issue. Heat’s recognised as a workplace hazard like any other risk. And employers have a legal duty to assess it and take reasonable steps to protect staff.’
Effects of high temperatures
High temperatures can:
- affect concentration
- increase fatigue and…
- lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and, in extreme cases, heat stroke.
Workers in physically demanding roles, outdoor environments, warehouses, kitchens and factories can be particularly vulnerable during heatwaves.
Andrew advises businesses to carry out heat-related risk assessments. And consult employees on practical measures that can help reduce the effects of high temperatures. These might include:
- Increasing access to drinking water
- Introducing extra rest breaks
- Improving ventilation
- adjusting working hours and providing shaded areas for outdoor workers.
‘Heat stress can develop fast and often goes unnoticed until someone becomes unwell,’ Andrew said. ‘Simple measures such as:
- encouraging hydration
- rotating physically demanding tasks …
- and allowing more frequent breaks can make a significant difference.
Employers should also ensure managers understand the signs and symptoms of heat stroke so that intervention can happen early.’
Symptoms of heat stroke can include:
- confusion, slurred speech
- hot, red, dry skin and changes in ‘normal’ sweating
- racing heart beat or shallow breathing
- headaches, dizziness
- nausea and/or vomiting.
Code of practice
The Health and Safety Executive’s Approved Code of Practice suggests a minimum workplace temperature of 16°C for indoor work. Or 13°C where the work involves rigorous physical effort. But, when there’s a significant rise in temperatures, employers must determine what’s reasonable based on the nature of the work, the environment and the needs of their workforce.
Andrew believes employers who take a proactive approach not only reduce legal risks but also improve productivity and staff wellbeing.
‘Businesses that look after their people tend to see better morale, lower absenteeism and improved performance,’ he said. ‘As periods of extreme weather become more common, organisations need to think about heat management as part of their overall health and safety strategy. Rather than something that only becomes important during a heatwave.’
Secure Safety Solutions provides health and safety consultancy, risk assessments, fire safety advice and compliance support to organisations across the UK. Based in Swindon, the company works with businesses of all sizes to help them create safer and more compliant workplaces.
For more information, visit https://securesafetysolutions.co.uk/
