Supporting your employees during hot weather
“Employers need to act to make sure their workers are protected during periods of extreme hot weather this summer”
That’s the message from the Health and Safety Executive, the country’s workplace regulator. a recent poll we ran on LinkedIn revealed that 86% of respondents hadn’t received and information or training relating to working in hot weather conditions.
Employers are legally mandated to evaluate and address health and safety risks for their employees, including risks posed by extreme weather conditions like heat waves. Although there is no specific legal limit on workplace temperatures, heat is recognised as a hazard and should be managed accordingly, just like any other potential dangers. HSE says;
“Everyone, whether working indoors or outdoors, is at risk and employers should discuss with workers changes to manage the risk”
HSE is asking employers to consider simple and cheap measures such as:
- Make sure workplace windows can be opened or closed to prevent hot air from circulating or building up.
- Using blinds or reflective film on workplace windows to shade workers from the sun.
- Placing workstations away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Putting insulation around hot pipes and machinery.
- Offering flexible working patterns so workers can work at cooler times of the day.
- Provide free access to drinking water.
- Relaxing dress codes if possible.
- Providing weather-appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Encouraging workers to remove personal protective equipment when resting (ideally in shaded areas) to cool off.
- Sharing information about the symptoms of heat stress and what to do if someone is affected.
In summary, taking care of employees during hot weather is vital for ethical, productivity-related, and legal reasons. By implementing appropriate measures to protect your employees from extreme heat hazards, your business can demonstrate its commitment to employee well-being, fostering a positive work environment, and upholding its legal obligations. Ultimately, investing in employee care during hot weather contributes to a healthier, safer, and more productive workforce. If you require some guidance, reach out to Stafforce Training, where we can provide expert support.
