12 JUN 2023
Working in a heat wave: health and safety guidance
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a reminder to employers to prioritise the safety of workers during periods of extreme hot weather.
While there is no legal maximum temperature for workplaces, the HSE emphasises that heat is considered a hazard and should be included in risk assessments.
The warning comes in response to the UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office issuing a yellow heat-health alert for a specified period. The HSE urges employers to take action to protect both indoor and outdoor workers, citing the record high temperatures experienced in Great Britain last summer.
The HSE provides several measures to help employers cope with the heat. These include using blinds or reflective film on workplace windows to provide shade, positioning workstations away from direct sunlight and heat sources, and insulating hot pipes and machinery. Employers are also encouraged to offer flexible working patterns so that employees can work during cooler times of the day, provide free access to drinking water, and relax dress codes if feasible.
Additionally, the HSE recommends providing weather-appropriate personal protective equipment where necessary and raising awareness about the symptoms of heat stress and appropriate actions to take if someone is affected. Last summer, the HSE experienced a significant increase in people seeking advice, with visits to its online hot weather working guidance rising by nearly 1000%. Concerns related to hot weather reported to the HSE nearly doubled in July 2022 when temperatures exceeded 40°C.
John Rowe, Head of Operational Strategy at the HSE, emphasised that last summer should serve as a wakeup call for employers. He highlighted the potential impact of climate change on the workforce, including health issues and productivity challenges on construction sites. Rowe urged employers to proactively consider implementing simple and cost-effective measures to support workers in the event of extreme heat this summer.