Extreme Heat: Know Your Rights

The UK has been subject to several heatwaves this summer and the extreme temperatures have affected many people’s ability to work as normal.

While sunny skies are usually a welcome sight, high temperatures can become a serious workplace hazard.

On Thursday, temperatures could exceed 37 C in eastern parts of the UK, and this has led to the Met Office issuing an amber weather warning for extreme heat.

What is an amber weather warning?

According to the Met Office website, an amber weather warning is put in place when weather is severe enough to disrupt your plans. It also warns of a potential risk to life and property.

When a warning for extreme heat is put in place it is advised for people to consider the associated risks and whether it is sensible to stay inside.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) updated heat-health alerts for all regions in England on Monday and warned that rising temperatures this week may increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.

At current, amber alerts are in place for Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South East, London, South West and North West regions until 9pm on Friday August 14, when temperatures will begin to cool.

What are my rights?

The UK does not have a legally mandated “maximum temperature” for workplaces, however, heat is classified as a workplace hazard, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations require employers to provide a reasonable indoor temperature in the workplace and if a workplace is outside, workers must be protected from adverse weather conditions.

If you are facing extreme heat at work and are worried for your safety you should immediately note down the potential safety risks and report your concerns to a health and safety rep.

It is important to remember that your employer is required, by law, to assess risks to your health and safety, and that includes extreme weather.

What you should expect from your employer

Community expects employers to engage with our Health & Safety Reps, and workers to put simple, practical changes into place immediately. You should expect your employer to provide the following during a heatwave:

• Cooler working environments
• Flexibility around schedules so work can take place during cooler parts of the day
• Other provisions that maximise comfort and safety, including opportunities for hydration
• Weather appropriate PPE
• Informal health checks to make sure employees are not suffering from heat related illnesses

Community’s Health and Safety Officer Darren Pigott said:

“This latest heatwave has made it incredibly difficult for people to feel safe and comfortable at work. Extreme heat is something we will continue to experience in the UK, and workplaces must recognise it as a genuine health and safety issue.

“Many places of work have not been designed to cope with these temperatures, making it vital for appropriate provisions to be put in place, including sensible adaptions to dress codes and greater flexibility around working arrangements.”