Heatwave advice for workers at UoB

An amber weather warning for extreme heat is in place for most of the UK until this coming Thursday. It is often reported that there is no maximum workplace temperature for UK workplaces, but this does not remove the broader duty that employers have to keep their employees safe.

It is vital that steps are taken to protect employees and an important safety principle is that eliminating the risk (i.e. not doing something) is the safest possible control measure. 

Specific guidance on safety in hot weather can be found from the HSE and from the UNISON national website.

Key points we would highlight are that:

• During an amber weather warning such as the one we have at present, outdoor work (particularly physical outdoor work) should be reduced and wherever possible take place at cooler times of the day (i.e. avoid between 11am-3pm).
• Temperatures for inside worklplaces should be monitored – the TUC and UNISON recommend a maximum temperature of 30C and 27C for physical work. There is no legal maximum temperature under UK employment law but temperatures above this level are dangerous and employers need to take significant steps to mittigate against them.
• Risk assessments for working in hot temperatures are required and the first stage of any risk assessment is whether the risk can be removed enitrely – i.e. employers should ask if it is necessary to work in the hot environment at all? Could the work be done elsewhere or in a different way.
• Frequent breaks should be allowed, and workers allowed to remove themselves to cooler areas, as well as access to water to avoid dehydration.
• Other changes to working practices might be required – could staff work in a cooler area, such as a different, air conditioned building or at home? Uniform requirements should be relaxed – e.g. allow staff to wear shorts or lighter uniform tops.
• Additional steps need to be taken to safeguard those at higher risk such as pregnant workers and those with existing health conditions that make them more vulnerable to the heat – this might include allowing them to work in different areas or doing different duties.
• The University has existing guidance about working hours during extreme weather – this includes provisions for working elsewhere if it is dangerous to travel and not having to make up time if severe weather causes lateness.

And finally remember you always have the right to refuse to work in conditions that you reasonably believe could cause you imminent harm. 

If you need any specific advice on this please do drop us an email at unisonbham@contacts.bham.ac.uk and we will be happy to advise you.