Trade union calls to protect outdoor workers

The TUC says that workers who are outside for lengthy periods in high temperatures are at serious risk of sunstroke, heat stress and even skin cancer.

Working in hot weather can also lead to dehydration, tiredness, muscle cramps, fainting, and – in the most extreme cases – loss of consciousness.

Advice

Employers can work with trade union health and safety reps to consider the following measures:

• Avoid outside tasks between 11am-3pm when temperatures, and risks, are highest.
• Take vehicles out of service if they do not have air conditioning.
• Provide outdoor workers with sunscreen and advice on the need for protection – available in other languages for migrant workers. 
• Allow staff to take more breaks and provide a supply of cold drinking water.
• Provide canopies or covering over open areas and shaded areas for breaks.
• Provide lightweight brimmed hats and make sure any protective clothing is lightweight, long-sleeved and comfortable.

The right to leave work

Although there is not currently a maximum working temperature in Britain, there is still a statutory right to withdraw from an unsafe workplace.

Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 provides workers with the right to withdraw from and to refuse to return to a workplace that is unsafe. 

Workers are entitled to remain away from the workplace if – in their opinion – the prevailing circumstances represent a real risk of “serious and imminent” danger which they could not be expected to avert.

The TUC says workers should seek advice from their union before using their rights under Section 44.

Climate change

The TUC is calling on ministers to make sure British workplaces are fit for a warmer climate.

Public and private investment is needed to upgrade our buildings and infrastructure, so that they remain functional during heatwaves.

We must also continue with climate action so that we can prevent global heating becoming more extreme, with greater costs to our lives.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said, “Nobody should have to work in unsafe circumstances, but working outside in the intense heat and sunlight of a heatwave is a serious hazard.

“Employers should allow flexible working hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day, and provide regular breaks, plenty of water, sunscreen, and suitable clothing.

“If you're concerned about your working conditions, joining a union is the best way to make sure that your safety is respected by your employer.”

On workers in hot workplaces indoors, Paul added, “Indoor workplaces should be kept at comfortable temperatures, with relaxed dress codes and flexible working to make use of the coolest hours of the day. 

“With heatwaves becoming more common, we need to adapt. We need new laws on maximum working temperatures, improvements to workplaces to keep them cool, and climate action to reduce global heating.”