Workers In The Heat

28 Jul 2014

The increase in temperatures means that many woprkplaces have become unbearably hot with many employees affected by the heat. The best and most simple way for staff to keep cool inside when it’s scorching outside is for them to be able to come to work in more casual clothing says the TUC.

While it may not be possible for staff who regularly attend meetings with external clients, who deal with the public or who wear company uniforms to turn up to work in vest and shorts, so long as employees are smartly turned out, it should be possible to agree on a dress code that fits with the corporate image and helps staff keep cool.

Other measures employers could adopt include: allowing flexible working so that staff can avoid the sweltering conditions of the rush hour commute; moving desks away from windows; drawing blinds or installing reflective film; and allowing staff to take frequent breaks with a ready supply of cool drinks available.

Employers who provide cool and comfortable work environments will get more out of their staff when it’s sweltering. Workers who are unable to come to work in smart summer clothing and who work where there is no air conditioning, fans or cold drinking water will feel lethargic and lack inspiration and creativity.

For many years the TUC has been pushing for a change in the safety regulations to introduce a new maximum working temperature of 30C - or 27C for those doing strenuous work - with employers forced to adopt cooling measures when the workplace temperature hits 24C.