Summer is here

Date: 2 July 2010

We are now entering what should be the hottest part of the year after one of the driest springs on record. Temperatures are on the rise in many workplaces leaving members feeling hot and fed up but don’t despair, there is something you can do.

Usdaw along with other unions and the TUC are still pushing the government for a maximum temperature of around 27degreesC as anything higher can lead to a risk serious heat exhaustion. Even so employers have a duty under current health and safety legislation to ensure a ‘reasonable’ temperature in the workplace.

Excessive temperatures can lead to sweating, irritability, nausea, headaches, dizziness, fainting, muscle cramps, extra strain on the heart and ultimately heat stroke.

Some of the things that can relieve the effects of high temperatures include air conditioning, ventilation, cooling fans, removal or isolation of heat sources, frequent rest breaks, constant supply of cold drinks, job rotation, relaxation of dress codes etc.

The health and safety section have a guide to temperatures in the workplace in the Hazards section of the Usdaw Health and Safety website:

http://www.usdaw.org.uk/healthandsafety/