Health and Safety Update (July 2009)
Keep your cool...
The Government has asked the HSE to review the regulations on
workplace temperature according to the Union of Shop, Distributive
and Allied Workers. It follows increasing concerns that workers are
unable to maintain concentration and productivity levels in
heatwave conditions.
Productivity has been shown to decrease at temperatures of
25oC and above. The Workplace (Health, Safety &
Welfare) Regulations 1992 stipulate that work areas should be at
least 16oC for a sedentary environment and
13oC for more manual activities. However, there is no
legal maximum temperature, and employers are only required to keep
workplaces to a 'reasonable' temperature.
Risks to workers' health, such as heat stress, increase as
conditions deteriorate from those accepted as comfortable. For such
reasons, the unions are calling for an indoor maximum of
30oC, with rules that force employers to introduce
cooling measures when the temperature hits 24oC.
John Hannett, Usdaw general secretary said: "Many Usdaw members
suffer from high temperatures at work and we have long campaigned
for a legal maximum workplace temperature. We are delighted that
the Government has listened to us and is reviewing the
situation."
He added: "I am personally hopeful that a maximum workplace
temperature will be put in place by the end of this year so that,
next summer, workers will be able to work comfortably and in the
knowledge that they are protected by law."
Low-cost measures to keep employees cool and therefore working
at maximum productivity include:
- hiring mobile air-conditioning units, or fans;
- supplying unlimited cool drinking water;
- allowing staff to wear more casual clothing, such as shorts and
vest tops;
- installing blinds or reflective film on to windows;
- moving desks away from windows;
- allowing more flexible working so that staff can travel to and
from work when it is cooler;
- allowing frequent breaks.