GMB Magazine GMB25 Fusion Summer 2016 | Page 25
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GOLDEN RULES
FEELING THE HEAT?
Whatever the arguments surrounding
global warming, there’s little doubt that our
summers are getting hotter. As temperatures
rise, GMB members in all industries suffer.
Working in excessive heat is not only extremely
uncomfortable but can also be dangerous and,
in some extreme cases, even fatal. Hot work,
either outdoors or indoors, can certainly lead to
an increase in accidents and injuries.
worn. This should not include clothes worn for
protective reasons.
NO MAXIMUM?
WORKING OUTDOORS
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)
Regulations 1992 (Regulation 7) require
employers to ensure that the temperature
in all workplaces during working hours is
‘reasonable’. Unfortunately, there is no
recommended maximum temperature.
GMB members who work outdoors face some
very clear dangers from hot work and exposure
to sunlight. There is an increased risk from
sunstroke, sunburn and heat exhaustion,
particularly when work is physically strenuous.
The effects of high temperatures are made
worse by other environmental factors. Heat
stress is more likely to occur if the air is humid,
the air is still, there is direct heat radiation and
the exposure is for long periods.
©iStock.com
REASONABLE STEPS
However, where temperatures are likely to be
high, employers should take ‘all reasonable
steps’ to achieve a reasonably comfortable
temperature. This could include insulating hot
machinery and pipes, providing fans and air
conditioning, shading windows, positioning
work areas away from radiant heat, providing
free and plentiful cool drinks, ensuring regular
breaks, and allowing loose-fitting clothing to be
TEMPERATURE CHECK
Employers should provide thermometers
around the workplace to allow health and safety
representatives to monitor workplace
temperature at any time.
SHIFT WORK PATTERNS
If possible, arrange the working day so that
during the time of greatest heat and UV
damage from the sun, generally between
11am and 3pm, there is an opportunity to work
in a shaded area.
A SAFE WORKPLACE
Since the employer has a very clear legal
duty to provide you with a safe and healthy
workplace, there is a need to carry out a risk
assessment in order to determine the extent of
the problems that might affect you. From this
risk assessment, action should be taken to
reduce the extent of the problem. Some areas
that should be considered are:
•
•
•
•
•
Any clothing supplied should be loose fitting
and of a close woven fabric.
The supply of hats and neck protection
should be considered.
The supply of sunscreen, which should be
high protection (15 plus).
Encourage the taking of frequent breaks.
Supply free cold drinks.
O HOT?
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Contact your GM
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For more on hea
visit www.gmb.org.uk
www.gmb.org.uk 25
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