Tag: heatwave

The weather hots up – but are you hot on water safety?

As the heatwave sweeping across the UK continues, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) fears that many people will head to waterways in a bid to cool off from the 30+ degrees reported to hit some regions this week. 

A 16-year-old boy tragically lost his life to drowning in Lancashire over the weekend and the charity is urging people to ensure enjoying the water is fun and not fatal.

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said: “Every year during the summer we see a sharp rise in the number of accidental drownings in the UK as many people look to cool off on hot summer days like we are experiencing currently.

“I deeply regret to say we have already seen a number of drownings already in the past few weeks as the temperatures have soared.

“It is vital to ensure that everyone has an understanding of water safety and makes it their responsibility to educate their family and friends on how water can be enjoyed safely to prevent such tragedies. In July 2021, there were 49 accidental drowning fatalities in the space of just two weeks in the UK.

“We want to help families enjoy water safely with our summer water safety information. We truly believe that people can be equipped with the right knowledge around water safety, and as a result we won’t need to see the fatalities we currently are seeing with accidental drownings.”

The Royal Life Saving Society UK has some simple and easy to follow tips on its website and social media channels to help keep families safe this summer, including their five summer water safety tips:

  1. Look out for Lifeguards
    If you’re looking for a place to cool off, always find a lifeguarded swimming site.
  2. It’s colder than it looks
    Water at open and inland sites is often much colder than it looks, cold water can affect your ability to swim and self-rescue.
  3. Don’t go too far
    Always swim parallel to the shore, that way you’re never too far away from it.
  4. It’s stronger than it looks
    Currents in the water can be very strong. If you find yourself caught in a current – don’t swim against it – you’ll tire yourself out. Stay calm, swim with the current and call for help.
  5. Bring a friend
    Always bring a friend when you go swimming so if anything goes wrong, you’ve got someone there to help.

Lee continued: “We often see people trying to cool off in lakes, quarries, rivers and other waterways when we experience extremely warm weather like this week brings, and many of these people do not have the experience of swimming in these waters and that is where we see people getting into trouble.

“As a result we then see others trying to help those in difficulty by going into the water themselves to attempt a rescue which can have fatal consequences. 

“ If you or someone else finds themselves in difficulty in the water, it’s vital to remember the Water Safety Code:

  • whenever you are around water you should stop and think to assess your surroundings and look for any dangers;
  • stay together when around water and always go with family and friends;
  • in an emergency call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue service when inland and the Coastguard if at the coast;
  • and finally float to live, if you fall in or become tired, stay calm, float on your back and call for help, or if you see someone in the water, throw something that floats to them and resist temptation to go in.”

For further water safety information visit the RLSS UK website – www.rlss.org.uk.

Met Office: Tips for keeping cool in hot weather

Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it’s too hot for too long, there are health risks.

In England, there are on average 2000 heat-related deaths every year. If hot weather hits this summer, make sure it does not harm you or anyone you know. The heat can affect anyone, but some people are at greater risk from it.

For some people – especially older people and those with underlying health conditions, as well as those who can’t adapt their behaviour to keep cool or who are exposed to high levels of heat because of where they live or work – the summer heat can bring real health risks. As our climate changes, hot spells are expected to be more frequent and more intense. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important that you know what actions to take to keep yourself and others safe from high temperatures.

Why is a heatwave a problem?

The main health risks posed by a heatwave are:

  • Not having enough water (dehydration).
  • Overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing.
  • Heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which are potentially serious conditions that can occur if you get too hot.

Tips for coping in hot weather this summer:

Public Health England has published a number of resources outlining the risks of heat during COVID-19 and actions you can take to protect yourself and others. These include a ‘Beat the Heat: coping with heat and COVID-19’ leaflet and poster and a checklist to help keep your home cool, which are available on the Heatwave plan for England collection page. This also includes tips on how you can look out for others safely, whilst following guidance on COVID-19.

Watch out for signs of heat-related illness

If you or someone else feels unwell with a high temperature during hot weather or after physical exertion, you should stay alert to the possibility of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Find out more about the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and when to get help. 

The top ways to stay safe when the heat arrives are to: 

  • Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
  • If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to phone to check that you are not having difficulties during periods of extreme heat.
  • Stay cool indoors: some of us will spend more time at home this summer so know how to keep your home cool.
  • Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
  • If going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately, keep your distance in line with social distancing guidelines. 
  • Follow COVID-19 social distancing guidance and wash your hands regularly.
  • Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol. 
  • Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
  • Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
  • Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat.
  • Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
  • Make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling.
  • Check the latest weather forecast and temperature warnings – you can find these on TV, radio, mobile app or website.
  • During warm weather going for a swim can provide much welcomed relief, take care and follow local safety advice, if you are going into open water to cool down.
  • Remember that while COVID-19 restrictions are in place, you will need to follow any additional government guidance to use public spaces safely.

If you have concerns about an uncomfortably hot house that’s affecting your health or someone else’s, get medical advice.
You can also get help from the environmental health office at your local authority. They, or an approved local provider, can inspect a home for hazards to health, including excess heat. Find your local authority here.

In addition, Age UK offers a range of free information and advice designed to help older people live well during the summer months and protect themselves when the temperature rises. For more information visit Age UK‘s website.

TUC calls on employers to keep their staff safe as temperatures set to soar

  • Met Office issues extreme heat weather warning for the first time 
  • Forecasters warn temperatures will continue to climb and could reach 33 degrees C (91.4F) in some parts of the country 
  • TUC calls on employers to make sure staff are protected from the sun and heat 

The TUC has urged employers to make sure their staff are protected from the sun and heat, as the Met Office issues one of its new-style extreme amber heat weather warnings for the first time. 

The amber warning covers parts of Wales, all of south-west England and parts of southern and central England and will be in place until Thursday (22 July), when temperatures are expected to peak. 

Health warning 

Working in hot weather can lead to dehydration, tiredness, muscle cramps, rashes, fainting, and – in the most extreme cases – loss of consciousness. 

The TUC says employers can help their workers by:  

  • Allowing flexible working: Giving staff the chance to come in earlier or stay later will let them avoid the stifling and unpleasant conditions of the rush hour commute. Bosses should also consider enabling staff to work from home while it is hot.  
  • Keeping workplace buildings cool: Workplaces can be kept cooler and more bearable by taking simple steps such as opening windows, using fans, moving staff away from windows or sources of heat, or installing ventilation or air-cooling.  
  • Temporarily relaxing their workplace dress codes: Encouraging staff to work in more casual clothing than normal – leaving the jackets and ties at home – will help them keep cool.   
  • Keeping staff comfortable: Allowing staff to take frequent breaks and providing a supply of cold drinks will all help keep workers cool.  
  • Talking and listening to staff and their union: Staff will have their own ideas about how best to cope with the excessive heat. 
  • Sensible hours and shaded areas for outdoor workers: Outside tasks should be scheduled for early morning and late afternoon, not between 11am-3pm when temperatures are highest. Bosses should provide canopies/shades where possible. 
  • Sun protection: Prolonged sun exposure can be dangerous for outdoor workers, so employers should make sun protection available. 

The law 

There’s no law for minimum or maximum working temperatures. However, during working hours the temperature in all indoor workplaces must be ‘reasonable’. 

Guidance suggests a minimum of 16degC, or 13degC if employees are doing physical work. And employers have a duty to keep the temperature at a comfortable level and provide clean and fresh air. 

The TUC would like to see a change in the law so that employers must attempt to reduce temperatures if they get above 24degC and workers feel uncomfortable. And employers should also be obliged to provide sun protection and water for outdoor workers. 

The TUC would also like ministers to introduce a new maximum indoor temperature, set at 30degC – or 27degC for those doing strenuous jobs. 

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “We all love the summer sun. But working in sweltering conditions in a baking shop or stifling office can be unbearable and dangerous. 

“Indoor workplaces should be kept cool, with relaxed dress codes and flexible working to make use of the coolest hours of the day. 

“And bosses must make sure outdoor workers are protected with regular breaks, lots of fluids, plenty of sunscreen and the right protective clothing.” 

The TUC is also asking employers to consider additional needs that may arise in hot weather from coronavirus health and safety requirements. Frances O’Grady added: 

“It’s even more important to use PPE safely in this hot weather. Staff will need extra breaks to cool down if their equipment reduces ventilation. 

“And while many offices have air conditioning, few people have it in their homes. Lots of staff are still working from home, so they may struggle to work during the hottest parts of the day. Employers should allow flexible hours so people can work when it’s cooler.”