It’s Summer And Heatwave – What You Need To Know As An Employee
We have had a summer with heat-waves, and the hot weather may well stay with us for a while. So, what are the rules when you are working in hot weather conditions?
Well, essentially, there are no hard and fast rules, more a “reasonable” approach.
The Health and Safety Executive explain that the temperature in workplaces must be reasonable.There’s no law for maximum working temperature, or when it’s too hot to work. However, Employers must stick to health and safety at work law, including:
- keeping the temperature at a comfortable level, sometimes known as thermal comfort
- providing clean and fresh air.
Additionally, HSE (Health and Safety Executive) recommend:
Keeping cool at work – switch on any fans or air conditioners to keep workplaces comfortable and use blinds or curtains to block out sunlight. If you are working outside you should wear appropriate clothes and use sunscreen to protect from sunburn.
Stay hydrated – Your employer must provide you with suitable drinking water and you should drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and not wait until you are thirsty.
Dress code – employers are not under any obligation to relax any uniform or dress code requirements during hot weather if you have to wear a uniform, your boss can relax the rules, but it is up to them.
The Graham Agency, working with you.
End