A Guide to Supporting Employees in Hot Weather
While there are no legal limits in the UK for how hot it can be in a workplace, employers still have a duty to ensure staff are safe and comfortable in high temperatures. To help manage the risks associated with working in the heat, consider the following measures:
- Shift work schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day
- Allow for more frequent breaks in cool or shaded areas
- Ensure cold drinking water is freely available to all staff
- Create shaded areas where employees are working outdoors or in hot environments
- Encourage staff to remove unnecessary PPE during breaks to cool down
- Train workers to spot the warning signs of heat-related illnesses early
Employers can find further practical guidance on managing workplace temperatures on the official HSE website.
To complement the HSE advice, MSP Business Services offers a vast array of health and safety courses in Dorset. To find out more, visit our online E-learning H&S training courses, contact us on info@mspbusinessservices.co.uk or call 01202 800175.