13 August 2020

Dealing with the heat!

Most of us are working in a hot environment during the summer and the increasing heat can be a struggle for employees. Our H&S team have put together a few tips to help cope! Please click below to download the full guidance.

It's widely reported that there's no legal maximum temperature at work, so there's no automatic right for employees to go home due to the extreme heat. Working environments vary, with some having great air-con and others having to simply open the windows. 
 
Employees may also find the commute to work extremely uncomfortable as well as high office temperatures, especially if public transport is being used. Starting the day hot and dehydrated can be unpleasant and have an impact on productivity. 
 
So, what can be done to help employees cope with the heat? 
 
- Ensuring that the working environment has a comfortable working temperature

- Having a more relaxed dress code - ensuring it's appropriate for the environment

- Remaining hydrated - water should be readily available for everyone

- Keep sun cream and after sun close by as a reminder to stay sun-safe

- Management teams are reminded to take careful consideration of any employees with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease and heart conditions.

- Consider introducing flexible working hours, e.g. working from home. Make it fun! Implement ice-cream Fridays

Please scroll below to download our full H&S guidance document.