Keeping your employees cool this summer

With summer finally here in the UK, it’s important to remind employers of the dangers of heat-related illness and prevent a drop-in activity by assessing the risk and implementing policies to keep employees cool and safe.

HSE guidelines state that employers must ensure a reasonable workplace temperature, however with no legal maximum in place, this can lead to concerns that some employers could be failing to monitor workplace temperatures.

So, what can employers do to identify the risks?

Conducting a risk assessment in the workplace will allow employers to identify any potential hazards. The major factors employers need to consider are:

• Work rate – the harder someone works the more body heat they generate.
• Working climate – this includes air temperature, humidity, air movement and effects of working near a heat source.
• Worker’s clothing and respiratory protective equipment – may mean that sweating and other means of the body regulating its temperature are less effective.
• Worker’s age, build and medical factors – may affect an individual’s tolerance.

What can be done to minimize the risks?

• Control the temperature by using fans, air conditioning, opening windows or closing blinds.
• Provide mechanical aids where possible to reduce work rate or reduce physical activity.
• Prevent dehydration by providing open access to water facilities.
• Provide personal protective equipment.
• Relaxing formal dress codes to allow fewer or more layers of clothing.
• Monitor employees for signs of heat stress.

 

For more information, please visit: http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature