Summer is on its way, and so is the scorching heat. Businesses need to think about how to keep the temperature of their workplaces down.
When the sun leads to heat stress
It might be beautiful outside, but high temperatures inside can lead to employees struggling to work comfortably.
According to the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), in high temperatures staff can experience something called heat stress. This occurs when, ‘the body's way of controlling its internal temperature starts to fail. As well as air temperature, factors such as work rate, humidity and work clothing may lead to heat stress.’
The impact of heat stress can be huge on productivity and output, as well as the health and wellbeing of your employees. Those suffering from heat stress may experience an inability to concentrate, muscle cramps, heat rash, severe thirst and in extreme cases, fainting, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
The risk of heat stress is greatly increased when employees are working in smaller or restricted spaces, and the kind of work that employees are doing increases heat. This means that during the summer months, workplaces which use heavy machinery, manufacturing industries, kitchens, laundries and those driving vehicles are more likely to experience heat stress.
What do employers need to do about the heat?
Whilst there’s no legal requirement that employees must stop working when the heat reaches a certain temperature, heat is classified as a hazard and as such employers are expected to keep the temperature at a comfortable level. This can be difficult for businesses in the UK during the summer months; however there are a number of things that you can do to keep your business operating smoothly and your employees comfortable.
Send your staff home
During extremely high temperatures, businesses should consider implementing a work from home policy, or encourage employees to take laptops and necessary work equipment home with them. Co-working spaces and office spaces can be very difficult to cool down effectively, and the more people in these spaces, the hotter the space will be. Allowing staff to work from home can completely negate this issue.
If it isn’t possible for your staff to work from home, you could consider implementing flexible working. Not only is this an attractive working model for current and future employees, it also allows staff the option of working outside of the hottest parts of the day.
Relax those dress codes
If your workplace has a formal dress code, business could consider relaxing this during the summer months. Professional dress and office wear can often be made from thicker material; encouraging employees to wear more casual lightweight clothes can help keep temperatures down.
For organisations where employees are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), employers should ensure that the amount of breaks for staff are increased to allow them to regulate their temperature.
Get that air flowing
Employers should ensure that their office spaces are adequately equipped with fans for employees to keep air circulating. Where possible, ensure that windows can be opened; however, if the outside temperature is higher than the inside temperature, encourage staff to keep windows closed to prevent hot air from warming up the workplace.
Rearrange the office
Employers can help to reduce the impact of heat on employees by moving desks out of direct sunlight, and moving employees to cooler parts of the building. Where this isn’t possible, ensure that staff are kept in the shade by using blinds or reflective film on windows. Businesses should also consider insulating, or moving staff away from hot pipes.
Get the drinks in
It is essential that employees have access to cold water, in order to keep hydrated in the hotter months. Businesses that have a selection of cool drinks available should be aware that water is much better for hydration than caffeinated or carbonated drinks. Employers should encourage staff to take regular breaks and make cold water easily accessible; this is particularly important for those with diabetes as the risk of dehydration is greater.
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