Employers across the UK are being encouraged to note the legal health and safety responsibilities they have to staff as the UK prepares to labour under an extreme heat conditions in buildings and work places not designed for it. The entire UK will feel the burn over the next two days as the Met Office issues its first-ever ‘Red Extreme’ heat warning.
Weather experts say there is a high likelihood that our thermometers will hit 40C somewhere in the UK by the middle of today, Hull Live reports. And Comfort Nkang, employment practice leader at corporate law firm LegalVision, says bosses should make sure their workers are safe.
Comfort said: “In the UK, there are no laws defining when it’s too hot to work or maximum working temperatures. However, health and safety rules state that employers should provide a reasonable temperature in the workplace. Staff who feel they are not working in a comfortable environment should speak to their bosses.
“During the intense weather we are having, employers could allow staff to work from home or relax uniform rules or formal dress codes. If working in an office without an air conditioner, employers could also look at opening windows, providing fans, or changing layouts to ensure workstations are away from direct sunlight or pieces of equipment which give off heat.
“Working hours could also be temporarily changed, depending on the nature of the business, allowing staff to start work earlier or later in the day so they can avoid working or commuting during the hottest times. If you are an employer who currently has staff working from home, their work environment should also be re-assessed to ensure they are safe.
“As an employer, it’s important to know the health and safety rules, show common sense and be flexible. You should also look at reasonable adjustments for staff who might need extra help, such as pregnant women or those with health conditions.”
If a several people complain about the workplace temperature, then a risk assessment should be carried out. Last week, the TUC suggested the legal maximum temperature when an employer should act to mitigate is 30C, and 27C for workers doing strenuous work.
The TUC recommends that employers should still attempt to reduce temperatures if they get above 24C and workers feel uncomfortable. They also said employers should be obliged to provide outside workers, such as construction workers, with drinking water and sun protection. It came on the back of the UK Health Security Agency issuing a level 4 heat-health alert for much of England.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said there is “no maximum temperature” for workplaces. However, it said there is guidance for employers to follow.
The HSE said: “Employers must make sure indoor workplaces remain at a reasonable temperature and manage the risk of working outdoors in hot environments, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The workplace regulator is sharing guidance ahead of the extreme warm weather predicted for Great Britain at the start of next week.
“A heatwave warning is in place until Tuesday (19 July) so HSE is reminding employers of their legal duty to ensure employees can work in reasonable temperatures in indoor workplaces. What is reasonable varies, and will depend upon the nature of the individual workplace.
“There is no maximum temperature for workplaces, but all workers are entitled to an environment where risks to their health and safety are properly controlled. Heat is classed as a hazard and comes with legal obligations like any other hazard.
“Workers should also take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions at work.”
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