Workplace expert Acas has offered some top tips to help employers manage workplace challenges due to the hot weather.
The Met Office has predicted that temperatures of up to 35C are expected towards the end of this week.
Acas Chief Executive Niall Mackenzie said:
“The sizzling weather may be ideal for the beach but staff getting into work during one of the hottest weeks of the year may not feel the same way.
“Some employees with certain health conditions or disabilities may be adversely affected by the extreme heat. The heat can also impact public transport too which can affect employees commuting into work.
“Acas has some top tips for employers to help ensure their businesses remain productive during the heatwave whilst keeping staff happy too.”
According to a recent Acas poll, almost half (47%) of respondents felt that poor sleep during times of hot weather impacted their work. This was followed by 22% saying that overheated offices was their biggest challenge and 21% claiming that they found staying focused in heatwaves difficult.
Acas top tips 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.
www.acas.org.uk/disruption-getting-to-work
Vulnerable workers
Vulnerable workers- Worker 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.
www.acas.org.uk/reasonable-adjustments
www.acas.org.uk/extreme-tempertatures-in-the-workplace
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