Posted: Tue 13th Jun 2023

TUC demands employers take action to protect workers amid high temperatures

News and Info from Deeside, Flintshire, North Wales
This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Jun 13th, 2023

With high temperatures set to continue for the next few days, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) is urging employers to ensure the safety of their staff from the sun and heat.

The TUC has called on the UK government to introduce legislation on maximum working temperatures, amidst warnings about the health risks posed by hot weather.

Workers in the heat can face dehydration, muscle cramps, rashes, and even fainting, with the most severe cases leading to loss of consciousness.

Alarmingly, outdoor workers are three times as likely to develop skin cancer, according to the TUC.

To combat these risks, the TUC advises employers to take a number of steps.

These include providing sunscreen, facilitating flexible working hours to avoid the harshest conditions of the rush hour commute, and considering remote work options.

Keeping workplace buildings cool through measures such as opening windows, using fans, and relocating staff away from windows or heat sources is also crucial.

The TUC is further encouraging employers to prepare their buildings for increasingly warmer weather by installing ventilation, air-cooling and energy efficiency measures, as well as temporarily relaxing dress codes.

Frequent breaks, provision of cold drinks, engaging in dialogue with staff and their union representatives, and ensuring sensible working hours and shaded areas for outdoor workers are also key considerations.

Currently, the UK law does not specify a maximum working temperature, although it mandates that indoor workplaces should maintain a ‘reasonable’ temperature.

The TUC is seeking amendments that would require employers to lower temperatures if they rise above 24 degrees Celsius and workers feel uncomfortable.

They also recommend that employers be obliged to provide sun protection and water.

TUC’s proposals also include introducing an absolute maximum indoor temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, or 27 degrees for those in strenuous jobs, to indicate when work should cease.

As climate change brings higher temperatures to the UK, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak stresses the need for a governmental plan on how to adapt and protect workers.

“Working in sweltering conditions can be unbearable and dangerous – whether it’s in an overheated shop, a baking office or outdoors in the direct sun,” he says, further advocating for cooler indoor workplaces, relaxed dress codes and flexible working hours.

The provision of regular breaks, fluids, sunscreen, and appropriate protective clothing for outdoor workers is also crucial, he added.

[Photo: TUC]

 

ad

Spotted something? Got a story? Send a Facebook Message | A direct message on Twitter | Email: [email protected] Latest News

  • Councillors approve Broughton padel courts despite refusal advice
  • Welsh Water fined £1.35m for sewage discharge breaches
  • Warning as dogs left in hot cars at North Wales hospitals

  • More...

    Councillors approve Broughton padel courts despite refusal advice

    News

    Welsh Water fined £1.35m for sewage discharge breaches

    News

    Warning as dogs left in hot cars at North Wales hospitals

    News

    Drugs dogs Marvin and Oakley help police carry out 31 stop searches in Chester

    News

    Deeside food project wins Welsh Government funding to fight child hunger

    News

    A494 Alltami reopens following earlier car fire

    News

    Public Health Wales warning after 81 fall ill following visits to open farm

    News

    “Something must be done” says Senedd amid calls for smartphone-free schools

    News

    Senedd protest demands end to caged game bird breeding

    News