In England, there are on average 2000 heat-related deaths every year. So, how can you ensure your employees health is cared for during hot weather?

The HSE outline your responsibilities as an employer, and suggests some ways you can manage the temperature in your workplace for the ‘thermal comfort’ of your employees. Thermal comfort describes a persons state of mind in terms of whether they feel too hot or cold. How you manage the effects of temperature in your workplace depends on whether you and your employees normally work indoors or outdoors and the normal operating temperature of the environment.

Indoor workplaces should provide:

  • a reasonable working temperature in workrooms – usually at least 16ᵒ C, or 13ᵒ C for strenuous work (unless other laws require other temperatures)
  • local heating or cooling such as making the best use of fans, radiators and opening windows where a comfortable temperature cannot be maintained throughout each room
  • thermal clothing and rest facilities where necessary, e.g. for ‘hot work’ or cold stores
  • heating systems which do not give off dangerous or offensive levels of fumes into the workplace
  • sufficient space in workrooms

What do I do when my staff are too hot?

You can help ensure thermal comfort in warm conditions by:

  • providing fans, e.g. desk, pedestal or ceiling-mounted fans
  • ensuring that windows can be opened
  • shading employees from direct sunlight with blinds or by using reflective film on windows to reduce the heating effects of the sun
  • siting workstations away from direct sunlight or other situations or objects that that radiate heat (e.g. plant or machinery)
  • relaxing formal dress code – but you must ensure that personal protective equipment is provided and used if required
  • allowing sufficient breaks to enable employees to get cold drinks or cool down
  • providing additional facilities, eg cold water dispensers (water is preferable to caffeine or carbonated drinks)
  • introducing formal systems of work to limit exposure, eg flexible working patterns, job rotation, workstation rotation etc.
  • placing insulating materials around hot plant and pipes
  • providing air-cooling or air-conditioning plant

To read more about how to take care of your health at home during heatwaves, see The Met Office’s tips.

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Talbot Jones Ltd incorporates March Insurance Services, a Chartered Insurance Broker specialising in Agricultural and Hospitality Risks.