Workplace temperature campaign launched

Health & Safety update 20/09/2011

A new campaign aimed at urging the Government to rolling out legislation regarding a maximum working temperature has been launched.

The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) has created the 'Cool It!' campaign alongside the Trade Union Co-ordinating Group (TUCG). The organisations hope that the move will encourage the Government to enforce heat-combating measurements in the workplace.

The campaign requests that a maximum working temperature of 30 degrees Celsius is introduced, alongside a maximum temperature of 27 degrees Celsius for those staff carrying out strenuous work.

Ronnie Draper, BFAWU General Secretary, called on the Government to 'provide clear, coherent and enforceable requirements for employers about how to combat heat in the workplace.'

Mr Draper said, “It is high time that Government, whatever colour, recognises the misery that is heaped upon UK workers by working in extremely hot temperatures."

“We have to get across the message that we are not seeking legislation that stops the job, but desperately need a consistent approach to control measures being triggered,” he added.

So far, the Early Day Motion launched by Mr Draper has received 32 signatures in support of the new legislation it calls for.

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