Workplace expert Acas has offered some recommendations to help employers manage workplace challenges due to hot weather.
Acas Chief Executive Niall Mackenzie said: ““The warmer weather will be welcomed by many, but for some staff getting into work, or those working in warmer environments, it can be uncomfortable.
“Some workers with certain health conditions or disabilities may be adversely affected by the heat. The hotter weather can also impact public transport, which can hinder workers travelling to work.
“Acas has some top tips for employers to help ensure their businesses remain productive during the heatwave while keeping staff happy too.”
By law, employers have a ‘duty of care’ to make sure working temperatures are reasonable for their staff. This includes at the workplace and working from home.
Acas’s recommendations for hot weather working include:
Workplace temperatures should be reasonable
There is no legal maximum working temperature. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) advice is that the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings must be reasonable.
The HSE offers advice on how to carry out a thermal comfort risk assessment if staff are unhappy with the temperature: http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/index.htm
Keeping cool at work
Switch on any fans or air conditioners to keep workplaces comfortable and use blinds or curtains to block out sunlight. Staff working outside should wear appropriate clothes and use sunscreen to protect from sunburn.
Stay hydrated
Employers must provide staff with suitable drinking water in the workplace. Workers should drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and not wait until they are thirsty. Employers could allow extra breaks for staff to get cold drinks.
Dress code
Employers are not under any obligation to relax their uniform or dress code requirements during hot weather but where possible it may be advisable to for employers to relax the rules for wearing ties or suits.
Getting into work
If public transport gets adversely affected by the hot weather, this could affect staff attendance and their ability to get into work on time.
Staff should check timetables in advance, and employers should be flexible. https://www.acas.org.uk/disruption-getting-to-work
Vulnerable workers
Workers with health conditions or disabilities may be affected more by hot weather.
Employers should assess for any risks and discuss what they need to reduce or remove that risk. This might include providing fans, portable air-cooling units or more frequent or longer breaks.
Employers must make reasonable adjustments for workers with disabilities. https://www.acas.org.uk/reasonable-adjustments
For further advice, please see:
https://www.acas.org.uk/extreme-temperatures-in-the-workplace
