As we get closer to summer, temperatures are rising in the workplace. Temperature this weekend could hit 29C in some parts of the UK
Staff are likely to start to complain about the heat in your premises if you have not got air conditioning installed, and that is not affordable or practical for many organisations.
Whilst the Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 specify minimum working temperatures for workplaces they do not specify a maximum temperature. However, no organisation wants its staff or volunteers to be uncomfortable and get too hot at work. This will affect work output, may lead to people becoming unwell and can also lead to increased likelihood of arguments and other disturbances. Organisations also do not want complaints made to Health and Safety Regulators, such as the HSE, CQC or local authority Environmental Health Officers.
So what simple steps can an organisation take:
- Relax workplace dress code in hotter spells
- Ensure adequate supplies of chilled water are available
- Provide fans to cool and keep air moving
- Open windows to provide increased ventilation (ensure windows are maintained so they can be opened)
- Keep blinds closed
- Advise staff to stay hydrated by cutting down on tea and coffee and drinking more water
Additional advice on how to cope in hot weather has been issued by the NHS CLICK HERE
