Is it Too Hot to Work? – Working in High Temperature Conditions
The UK is bracing itself for a potentially record breaking heatwave, with temperatures set to hit 40°C. It is more important than ever to assess high temperature conditions in the workplace, whether it is too hot to work and the ways we can make the workplace safer.
As an Occupational Health Provider, should you have an employee with health concerns impacted by heat, or your workers are exposed to heat as part of their working role you can speak to us about referring an employee to Occupational Health to best guide the business. Contact the team for more details on 0800 020 9913 or service@valentineoh.co.uk
Temperatures in the Workplace
Depending on the environment being worked in the best temperature to work can vary, but it is generally agreed upon that the best conditions to work in are between 16°C and 24°C. The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers recommends the following conditions for different working environments:
- Heavy work in factories: 13°C
- Light work in factories: 16°C
- Hospital wards and shops: 18°C
- Offices and dining rooms: 20°C
When the workplace gets too hot it is more than an issue about comfort. If the temperature becomes too high, then it becomes an issue of health and safety. As the temperatures rise, employees can experience dizziness, heat cramps, fatigue, and fainting. With extreme heat set for the UK, workers may run the risk of heat stroke or collapse as temperatures rise above 39°C.
Risks of High Temperatures
Even at lower temperatures there is still a risk for workers, as increased fatigue and increased tiredness inevitably leads to a loss in concentration, which might lead to more accidents taking place. The risk of accidents is only heightened in high temperatures when workers begin to take off protective gear in a bid to reduce their level of discomfort. Slippery and sweaty palms may also lead to more accidents taking place. Heat can also aggravate certain medical conditions and illnesses, especially those heart related such as heart disease or high blood pressure. Workers who are aged over 65, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medication affected by heat run an even greater risk working in high temperatures.
At the very least, high temperatures have a studied affect on productivity. The most comfortable conditions for workers are between 22°C and 25°C. When temperatures rose above these levels, productivity dropped significantly. By 28°C employers can expect a 5% decrease in productivity, with further drops as temperatures continue to rise.
Worker’s Rights in Extreme Heat
The Approved Code of Practice suggests that the minimum temperature for workers should be 16°C. If the work requires physical effort, then the suggested temperature is 13°C. These temperatures are not legal requirements however, instead the employer has a duty to determine what would be reasonably comfortable in the given circumstances. In cases where high temperatures are more prevalent in the workplace, for example foundries, glassworks or during heatwaves, there is no set maximum temperature for employees to work in. It is still possible to work safely in extreme heat, provided controlling measures are present.
Employers have a duty of care for their workforce and must provide an environment for workers which is safe and without risks to health. Employers must assess any risks present and initiate any control measures, as far as reasonably practical, to combat an unsafe environment. This can be done by engaging with employees to discuss their working environment and establish means to cope with the rising temperatures.
Travelling and Commuting
Rail passengers in England and Wales have been told to travel only, if necessary, on Monday and Tuesday this week (18/07 – 19/07) as speed restrictions have been put in place to cope with the rising temperatures, which will extend commuting times. It’s important to check the National Rail website for updates on your journey. Transport for London has advised passengers to carry water with them and consider travelling outside of rush-hour.
On the roads the RAC has forecasted vehicle breakdowns to increase by one fifth during the heatwave, as cars may overheat in traffic. It’s important to check your tires, coolant, and oil levels before travelling to avoid the risk of breaking down on the road. The RAC has also suggested taking essential items such as water, food and sun cream and avoiding driving if your car does not have suitable air conditioning.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is one of three heart-related syndromes caused by exposure to extreme heat. Its symptoms can include intense sweating and a rapid pulse, which are signs of your body overheating. Workers should also look out for themselves or for their colleagues who are experiencing faintness. Dizziness, fatigue, headaches, cramps, and nausea. If any of these symptoms are experienced, it’s essential that you seek immediate cooling and hydration, with medical attention if the core body temperature reaches 40°C or higher.
There are two main types of heat exhaustion:
- Water depletion. Symptoms include excessive thirst, weakness, headaches, and a loss of consciousness.
- Salt depletion. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, cramps, and dizziness.
Heat exhaustion is not as serious as heat stroke and can be prevented with quick intervention. If you or your colleagues have any symptoms, it’s essential to immediately retreat out of the heat and rest, preferably in an air-conditioned room.
Heat Stroke
Heat stoke is the most serious form of heat injury and is considered a medical emergency. If you believe one of your colleagues is experiencing heat stroke, it is important to call 999 immediately and request your colleagues or manager trained initiate first aid until help arrives. Although heat stroke is most common because of untreated heat cramps or heat exhaustion, it can affect workers without any previous signs of heat related injury.
Heat stroke is caused by extended exposure to extreme heat combined with severe dehydration, which leads to excessive core temperature in the body. The medical definition is a core body temperature exceeding 40°C but symptoms can include nausea, seizures, disorientation, fainting, coma as well as typical symptoms of heat exhaustion. If one of your colleagues experiences heat stroke, try implementing these cooling strategies:
- Fan over the patients whilst wetting their skin.
- Immerse them in water via a cold bath or shower.
With extreme temperatures across the UK, it’s possible the response rate for paramedics may be limited as cases of heat stoke rise. If the emergency response is delayed, you can call the hospital emergency room for additional instructions.
Prevention in Extreme Heat
When temperatures are soaring, it’s best to stay in an air-conditioned environment. If this is not available, you must go outside or you feel it’s just too hot to work, there are several precautions you can take to avoid heat related injury:
- Wear loose-fitting and lightweight clothing.
- Use sun cream or a wide brimmed hat to protect against sunburn.
- Drink plenty of fluids. It is advised to drink 8 glasses of water per day. In cases of extreme heat when salt depletion is common, water can be substituted for electrolyte-rich sports drink. Drink even if you don’t feel like you need to.
- Never leave anyone or any pets in a parked car.
- Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.
- Get acclimated to the hot weather before undertaking strenuous activity.
- Be cautious if you’re at increased risk.
Contact the team for more details on 0800 020 9913 or service@valentineoh.co.uk
