Hot Weather At Work Top 5 Considerations
Hot weather at work is a huge topic amongst your employees and workers this summer. So we’ve put together our Top 5 Considerations for employers to support employees and workers to maintain a functioning business and protect their staff.
Whilst many people may enjoy the relief of sun from our typical UK wind, rain or cold weather conditions, employees and workers across a wide range of working environments, whether they be indoors or outdoors are finding workplaces are not geared up for rises in temperature.
It’s not only the hot weather at work that can create situations we are not used to, we should also look at the logistics of how people get to and from work. As we have seen recently, train operators have been warning services will have to be slowed down or reduced to mitigate against potential damage to tracks and equipment failing in extreme heat.
ACAS Chief Executive, Susan Clews, said: “The sizzling weather may be ideal for the beach but staff getting into work during one of the hottest weeks of the year may not feel the same way. Certain workers may be adversely affected by the extreme heat, such as pregnant women and elderly employees. The heat can also impact public transport which can affect employees commuting into work”.
FirstBus Cmyru South and West Wales issued a useful guide on their website for bus travellers to better understand how to cope in hot temperatures when on their buses. It also included a guide to explain the design of buses and air conditioning.
The Met Office has predicted that the hot weather looks set to continue with temperatures of up to 35℃ expected.
How are you protecting against the changing weather?
There are obviously a lot of measures you can take to look after your employees and workers. First of all, it’s important to recognise this could be a problem and appreciate the need to make considerations and alternative plans.
Whilst some employees and workers will appreciate this is unprecedented weather in the UK, it is important you are clear in your instructions or arrangements so that all your team have clear guidelines.
We have created a Top 5 Hot Weather At Work list to help you be prepare and consider different members of your teams and environments they are working in.
Top 5 consideration to avoid and or reduce the negative impact of working in hot weather conditions:
- Do you have a hot weather policy to provide clarity amongst all employees and workers?
- If your working environment is enclosed without access to any or effective air conditioning, can you implement temporary home working? If outside working, do staff have access to shade or other cooler areas?
- Do staff have access to proper hydration?
- Can you implement more regular breaks on a temporary basis?
- Do you have a capacity to relax uniform/dress code policy (underpinned by common sense) so staff can stay cool?
If you would like more detail, policies or support and advise, contact our team on 01254 947829
