[UK] Union calls for ‘too hot to work’ law

[UK] Union calls for ‘too hot to work’ law
18 Jul 2022

A UK union has called for a legal limit on how high the temperature can be in a workplace, as a red warning for extreme heat continues, BBC News reports.

The GMB union said workers should not have to contend with temperatures any higher than 25C, following forecasters predicting a record high of 41C (106F) in England.

The Met Office's highest warning covers an area including London, Manchester and York on June 18 and 19.

At present, no law exists in the UK or Ireland stating that any specific temperature is too hot or cold to continue work.

However, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) workplaces should ideally be at least 16C. Or 13C if the job is primarily physical.

Responding to the demand for a legal maximum, an HSE spokesperson said, "There is no maximum workplace temperature because every workplace is different.

"Responsibility to make workplaces safe and healthy lies with employers. Workplace temperature is a hazard that comes with legal obligations for employers like other hazards."

Recently a number of MPs backed a campaign for a legal upper limit of 30C in most workplaces - or 27C for those doing strenuous work - however, the government doesn't have to respond.

Lynsey Mann - the GMB's health and safety officer - said, "This hot weather is great for being on a sun lounger, but if you're trying to work through it's no joke.

"Bosses need to do everything possible to keep workplaces cool and, more importantly, safe."

Ms Mann added, "Ultimately, there needs to be a legal maximum working temperature."

The GMB union said workplaces should relax dress codes during heatwaves and provide more breaks, water and sun cream.

"This can be as simple as letting people wear more casual clothing and providing proper hydration."

TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said, "We all love it when the sun comes out, but working in sweltering conditions in a baking shop or stifling office can be unbearable and dangerous."

She said businesses should let office staff work from home or adjust their hours to avoid rush-hour travel.

The Unite union has previously stated that employers have "a legal and moral duty to ensure workers' health is not damaged during the current hot weather."

Unite said manual workers were particularly vulnerable, "Employers should consider rescheduling work to cooler times of the day, and provide cooling areas such as shade or air-conditioned restrooms.

"If workers show any signs of heat exhaustion, the employer should immediately ensure they stop work and are allowed to recover, without loss of pay."

Network Rail and Transport for London have warned people to only travel if necessary today and tomorrow (July 18 and 19).

The service providers have warned customers to expect delays, cancellations and short notice changes to services as a result of the heat.

Customers who must travel have been advised to carry water with them and not to board trains or buses if they feel unwell.


Source: BBC News

(Links and quotes via original reporting)

A UK union has called for a legal limit on how high the temperature can be in a workplace, as a red warning for extreme heat continues, BBC News reports.

The GMB union said workers should not have to contend with temperatures any higher than 25C, following forecasters predicting a record high of 41C (106F) in England.

The Met Office's highest warning covers an area including London, Manchester and York on June 18 and 19.

At present, no law exists in the UK or Ireland stating that any specific temperature is too hot or cold to continue work.

However, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) workplaces should ideally be at least 16C. Or 13C if the job is primarily physical.

Responding to the demand for a legal maximum, an HSE spokesperson said, "There is no maximum workplace temperature because every workplace is different.

"Responsibility to make workplaces safe and healthy lies with employers. Workplace temperature is a hazard that comes with legal obligations for employers like other hazards."

Recently a number of MPs backed a campaign for a legal upper limit of 30C in most workplaces - or 27C for those doing strenuous work - however, the government doesn't have to respond.

Lynsey Mann - the GMB's health and safety officer - said, "This hot weather is great for being on a sun lounger, but if you're trying to work through it's no joke.

"Bosses need to do everything possible to keep workplaces cool and, more importantly, safe."

Ms Mann added, "Ultimately, there needs to be a legal maximum working temperature."

The GMB union said workplaces should relax dress codes during heatwaves and provide more breaks, water and sun cream.

"This can be as simple as letting people wear more casual clothing and providing proper hydration."

TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said, "We all love it when the sun comes out, but working in sweltering conditions in a baking shop or stifling office can be unbearable and dangerous."

She said businesses should let office staff work from home or adjust their hours to avoid rush-hour travel.

The Unite union has previously stated that employers have "a legal and moral duty to ensure workers' health is not damaged during the current hot weather."

Unite said manual workers were particularly vulnerable, "Employers should consider rescheduling work to cooler times of the day, and provide cooling areas such as shade or air-conditioned restrooms.

"If workers show any signs of heat exhaustion, the employer should immediately ensure they stop work and are allowed to recover, without loss of pay."

Network Rail and Transport for London have warned people to only travel if necessary today and tomorrow (July 18 and 19).

The service providers have warned customers to expect delays, cancellations and short notice changes to services as a result of the heat.

Customers who must travel have been advised to carry water with them and not to board trains or buses if they feel unwell.


Source: BBC News

(Links and quotes via original reporting)

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