Workplace Temperatures And Inadequate Legislation Is A Risk To Life!

Union Safety Reps have a right to negotiate a heat plan with the employer

 

From young people due to the heat, plunging into cold water and drowning, to pregnant women in boiling offices, to outdoor workers with skin cancer due to a burning sun, and with climate change resulting in far higher temperatures in the UK than ever has been experienced; the UK's laws on workplace temperatures is one of the main reasons why employers get away with ignoring the detrimental effects on worker's health, along with general ignorance amongst employees on their worker's rights and on the health & safety at work responsibilities of their bosses.

 

This, especially when it comes to small businesses who in the main, see themselves as being exempt from their duty of care responsibilites towards their employees.

 

Trade Unions have long been campaigning for a change in the law, and an introduction of a maximum temperature at work, as well as the existing lowest temperature level that workers are expected to endure at work.

 

Outdoor workers are NOT exempt from the Employer's duty of care either!

 

The CWU continues its campaign to change the law and to ensure employers such as BT and Royal Mail, both of whom wo have expansive workforces working outdoors, prioritise good health and safety at work practices to ensure those working in the heat outdoors are provided with appropriate rest breaks, hydration and PPE (including sun screen) and awareness amongst their employees of the dangers of both skin cancer, sunstroke and heat fatigue.

The TUC have produced an interactive website aimed at helping Union Safety Reps to address the issues around high temperatures both inside and outside directly with their employer and the workers they represent.

Click on the image above right.

Some of the resources for USRs and CWU members can be found in the Unionsafety E-Library. Use 'heat', 'sun', or 'outdoor' as separate search terms to find the resources available covering both indoor and outdoor working.

 

One of the most important things for USRs to do is, negotiate a 'Heat Plan', and that it goes through your health and safety committee. Address this well before heat and temperatures become a problem.

Ensure the plan is appropriate to the working environment and the needs of colleagues, your employer could plan to:

• allow more frequent breaks
• use fans if air conditioning isn't available
• ensure constant access to drinking water
• provide shaded places for workers outside
• relax dress codes or provide uniforms for hot temperatures
• agree adjustments for workers at higher risk (pregnant, older, disabled, etc.)
• consider flexible working schedules, so workers can avoid peak temperature times and crowded commutes.

When it comes to indoor working areas and excessive heat, failure of air conditioning etc, the local Environmental Health Department can be approached for help, advice or ultimately for local workplace inspection.

Source: TUC / CWU / Unionsafety