Too Hot to Work

 Hat tip UNISON 

"UNISON has launched a campaign to demand that the UK government creates new laws that require employers to protect workers from excessive heat.

The action, as part of the union’s Year of Green Activity, comes as a series of heatwaves this summer has put many workers at risk as they perform their jobs in unsafe conditions.

Joe Donnelly, UNISON head of health and safety, said: “Extreme heat is a growing workplace hazard linked to climate change, and employers must take proactive steps to protect staff.

“Across the UK, guidance is clear that during periods of extreme heat employers must take steps to reduce harm. This includes avoiding work during the hottest parts of the day, reducing physical activity, maintaining hydration, keeping workplaces cool, protecting workers from sun exposure, and taking additional steps to protect those more vulnerable.

“However, there are currently no statutory heat at work thresholds, despite clear and increasing risks to occupational health and safety.”

UNISON has long campaigned for maximum workplace temperatures. The union is now calling for stronger legal protections against excessive heat at work, recognising that heat risk is influenced by factors such as humidity, ventilation, physically demanding work and unsuitable protective clothing – not just temperature.

The campaign is asking members to write to their MPs, calling on their support of UNISON’s demands:

• New laws requiring employers to protect workers from excessive heat
• Statutory heat at work thresholds, backed by clear guidance for employers
• Trade unions to be involved in developing the new rules.

Ministers will be urged to represent these demands to the secretaries of state for business, innovation, science and trade, energy security and net zero, and work and pensions.

A template letter (see link below) notes that safe levels of heat exposure may vary, depending on factors such as the type of work undertaken, the working environment, ventilation, humidity, radiant heat, location and building design.

That’s why UNISON wants the government to development legislation in consultation with trade unions, relevant experts and other key stakeholders – to ensure that any new requirements are practical, effective and capable of being implemented across all workplaces".