Unions are calling for people to get legal protection against high temperatures in UK jobs as a heat wave arrives that could cause temperatures to approach 40ºC on Monday and Tuesday.
The GMB union said the government should set a maximum temperature for jobs of 25 ºC, which means employers should offer flexible work and travel plans, give staff extra breaks and relax codes. of clothing to allow staff to wear cooler clothes.
Lynsey Mann, the union’s head of health and safety, said: “This hot weather is great for being on a lounger, but if you’re trying to do it, it’s no joke.
“Bosses have to do everything they can to keep jobs fresh and, most importantly, safe. This can be as simple as letting people wear more casual clothes and provide adequate hydration.
“High levels of UV exposure also mean that outdoor workers have a much higher risk of developing skin cancer. Simply allow more rest and provide sunscreen and protective clothing, such as hats with blankets for the skin. neck, can help reduce this risk.
“Ultimately, there needs to be a legal maximum working temperature in the same way that we have a legal minimum working temperature, and it’s in the interests of employers: workers who heat up won’t be at their best “.
Meteorologists have given an 80% chance that the heat wave will break the UK’s record high temperature of 38.7 ºC, which was reached in 2018.
There is a 50% chance of a 40C break in an area of the UK that has received a red weather warning for heat.
While there are rules on minimum temperature levels in UK workplaces, there are no laws setting a maximum level.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has previously said that employers have a responsibility to ensure that working conditions are “reasonable”, but there is no specific temperature limit.
Cabinet Office Minister Kit Malthouse has said Monday and Tuesday may be “a time to work from home” due to the interruption of the trip, while the UK Health Security Agency has warned of the health risks of increasing heat.
Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said people should stay hydrated, but added that they should be “resilient” and “sunburned”.
Some local authorities have warned of the disruption of services and several schools in the areas covered by the red warning (central, northern, east and south-east of England) have told parents that they will remain closed.
The general secretary of the Trade Union Congress, Frances O’Grady, reiterated a call she made in 2018, amid highs of 35ºC, to set a cap.
She said: “We all love it when the sun comes out, but working in stifling conditions in a stifling pastry shop or office can be unbearable and dangerous. Indoor workplaces need to be kept cool, with relaxed dress codes and flexible work to take advantage of the coolest hours of the day.
“Bosses need to make sure outdoor workers are protected with regular breaks, plenty of fluids, lots of sunscreen and proper protective clothing.”