As the summer season approaches, workers need to be protected from the risks of working outdoors in hot weather. It's important to protect those who are exposed to levels of extreme heat to allow them to maintain a comfortable body temperature whilst working at an optimum level of productivity.
Stay Safe in Extreme Heat
Arco’s summer clothing: Changeable as the weather
Working In Hot Temperatures
There's no legal "maximum working temperature" for UK working environments because each workplace is different. However; employers must follow health and safety at work law, which includes keeping the temperature at a comfortable level and providing clean and fresh air.
Government Health Alert System
The government has launched a 'heat health alert' system to inform the public about upcoming periods of extreme heat that could be damaging to health.
Jointly run by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office, the new service will operate throughout the year with a particular focus during the "core alert season" between the 1st June - 30th September.
| In line with the Met Office's current practice, UKHSA will separate alerts into four separate categories: | |
|---|---|
| Green | No alert will be issued, business as usual |
| Yellow | Those who are particularly vulnerable could be at risk, but the majority are unlikely to be impacted |
| Amber | The entire health service is likely to feel the effects as well as the wider population |
| Red | Significant risk for everyone and all sectors could be impacted |
Find out more at: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/heat-health-alert-service
Managing Workplace Temperatures
Employers have a responsibility to manage temperature in the workplace to protect their workers. How temperature is managed will depend on:
- Whether it is an indoor or outdoor workplace
- The usual operating temperature of that environment
Outdoor Working
Working outdoors in hot weather for long periods can have a serious impact on worker's health if the risks aren't properly managed.
There are simple actions that can be taken to protect outdoor workers:
- Reschedule work to cooler times of day
- Provide more frequent rest breaks and introduce shading to rest areas
- Provide free access to cool drinking water
- Introduce shading in areas where people are working
- Provide appropriate clothing/uniform for working outdoors in hot weather
- Make sure workers can recognise the early symptoms of heat stress
Heat Stress
Heat stress occurs when the body's way of controlling internal temperature starts to fail. In addition to air temperature, factors such as work rate, humidity and work clothing may lead to heat stress.
Businesses and workers must be aware of how to work safely in high temperatures by identifying the factors that can lead to heat stress, including how to avoid it.
Where Does Heat Stress Occur?
Someone wearing protective clothing or doing work in hot and humid conditions could be at risk - their ability to sweat is restricted by clothing and humidity, body heat is increased due to work rate and so the core body temperature rises. The heart rate could also increase, putting more strain on the body.
Symptoms Of Heat Stress
Heat stress can affect people in different ways, with some people more likely to suffer than others.
Typical symptoms include:
- Heat exhaustion - fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headache, moist skin
- Heat stroke - hot dry skin, confusion, convulsions and eventual loss of consciousness. This can result in death if not detected at an early stage.
- Severe thirst
- Heat rash
- Fainting
- Muscle cramps
- Inability to concentrate
Assessing The Risks Of Heat Stress
Where there is a possibility of heat stress occurring, businesses must assess the risks to workers.
Things to consider:
- Climate - including air temperature, humidity, air movement and working near a heat source
- Work rate - the harder someone works, the more body heat they will generate
- Clothing and PPE - these could prevent sweating and other ways of regulating temperature
- Age, body type and medical factors could affect tolerance of heat
How To Reduce The Risk Of Heat Stress
Remove or reduce the sources of heat where possible by:
Controlling the temperature
- Change processes where possible
- Use physical barriers to reduce exposure to radiant heat, for example machinery or a canopy
Limit work rate and length of exposure Regulate the length of exposure to hot environments by:
- Only allowing workers to enter the working environment when the temperature is below a set level, or at cooler times of the day
- Providing periodic rest breaks and rest facilities in cooler conditions
Prevent dehydration Working in the heat causes sweating which means losing vital water that must be replaced:
- Provide cool water in the workplace and encourage workers to drink it frequently and in small amounts.
- If it is not possible to drink while working, for example during asbestos removal, encourage workers to drink before and after the work to avoid dehydration.
Download the heat stress checklist from:
HSE to help identify and control risks https://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/assets/docs/heat-stress-checklist.pdf.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Extreme Heat
Wearing PPE whilst working in extreme heat or hot weather could increase the risk of heat stress, particularly if PPE items are heavy or bulky. If PPE has been provided, workers should not put themselves in danger by removing or not wearing items correctly when working in hot weather.
How to Manage the Risks of Workers Wearing PPE in Extreme Heat
Risk Assessment
Sometimes, workers can be asked to wear more PPE items than are necessary. It is important for businesses to properly assess items provided and determine:
- Can workers wear less or different PPE items and still be fully protected against the risks faced in their working environment?
- Could other control methods be put in place (e.g. automated processes or additional safeguarding measures) to reduce or eliminate the risk and PPE requirements?
- Review the last time PPE was purchased. Has there been any developments meant that some items are now made to be lighter or more agile? If so, investing in new equipment could help to improve worker protection and maintain levels of productivity whilst working in extreme heat?
Review working patterns and conditions
- Allow a slower pace for workers to complete tasks
- Rotate staff so that workers are spending less time working in extremely hot temperatures
- Allow increased number of breaks or longer recovery periods away from the working environment
- Encourage workers to remove PPE items as soon as they are clear from the working environment and it is no longer needed
- Put facilities in place for PPE items to be dried so that they can be comfortable when worn again
How To Protect Workers
Training
Businesses should provide training for workers to work safety during conditions of extreme heat. This could include:
- The risks of heat stress in their work and what symptoms to look out for
- Safe working practices in hot temperatures
- Emergency procedures
Acclimatisation
Workers should be allowed to acclimatise to their working environment so that can be assessed as fit to work in hot conditions. Identify who is at risk It's important to identify workers who could be more susceptible to heat stress. This could be due to inexperience, medication or a medical condition making them more vulnerable to heat stress, such as heart disease or pregnant workers. Businesses may need to take advice from an occupational health professional or medical practitioner.
Monitor Health
There's still a residual risk despite health and safety measures being put in place, businesses may need to monitor the health of workers exposed to the risk of extreme heat and hot temperatures.
Worker Range
Working outdoors in hot weather can increase fatigue, body temperature and bring about health conditions that can affect worker performance and safety.
It is important to ensure that outdoor workers have the appropriate clothing and equipment to help mitigate the risks and continue to work safely.
T-Shirts and Polo Shirts with added UPF protection and wicking properties
When working in hot weather it’s important to stay cool as well as choose garments that are durable enough and fit for purpose. T-shirts, polo shirts can allow workers to stay cool and comfortable. Garments that have built-in UPF will help to prevent harmful UV rays from reaching the skin which makes them idea for working outdoors in sunny weather. Garments with wicking properties are made from breathable fabric that transport sweat and moisture away from the skin, allowing the wearer to remain dry and comfortable.
Code:H031876
Leo Pippacott Women’s Orange Hi-Vis Polo Shirt
€41.01
Each | 0% VAT* Ex VAT Inc VAT
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Code:2610500
TROJAN Navy Antibacterial Wicking Polo Shirt
€30.55
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Code:H024075
Leo EcoViz Ashford Men’s Yellow Hi-Vis Sleeveless T-Shirt
€19.47
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Code:2600200
TROJAN Contrast Grey/Black Wicking Polo Shirt
€28.97
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Code:18S0200
Arco Responsible Yellow Hi-Vis Polo Shirt
€20.36
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Code:18S0700
Arco Responsible Orange Hi-Vis T-Shirt
€19.79
Each | 0% VAT* Ex VAT Inc VAT
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Shorts
Swapping shorts for trousers, when safe to do so, will help workers look and feel cooler whilst working outdoors in hot weather
Code:2637900
Arco Essentials Men’s Black Cargo Shorts
€17.88
Pairs | 0% VAT* Ex VAT Inc VAT
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Code:2660900
Alsico Alsiflex Men’s Grey Shorts
€32.99
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Code:26TJ000
TROJAN Men’s Black/Grey Tradesman Shorts
€44.03
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Code:1872600
Alsico Alsiflex Women’s Navy Shorts
€32.99
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Code:10D2600
DEWALT Hamden Men’s Charcoal Stretch Shorts
€46.38
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PPE
Workers that have been issued PPE should continue to wear items correctly to keep them safe, even in extreme heat. However, certain PPE products have been designed to keep workers stay cool and comfortable when working in these conditions.
Code:3U4030
uvex Sportstyle Grey-Lens Safety Glasses
€11.83
Pairs | 0% VAT* Ex VAT Inc VAT
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Code:405900
Centurion CoolCap Hi-Vis Orange Bump Cap
€27.01
Each | 0% VAT* Ex VAT Inc VAT
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Code:3R0920
Riley STREAM Blue Grey-Lens Safety Glasses
€9.10
Pairs | 0% VAT* Ex VAT Inc VAT
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Code:4V7500
Centurion AirPro Navy Reduced-Peak Bump Cap
€29.04
Each | 0% VAT* Ex VAT Inc VAT
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Code:3M2500
3M SecureFit 402 Grey-Lens Safety Glasses
€244.24
Case | 0% VAT* Ex VAT Inc VAT
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Code:425500
Centurion Hi-Vis Yellow Sun Cape
€12.56
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Code:3B8215
Bollé Safety CONTOUR Polarised Safety Glasses
€69.85
Pairs | 0% VAT* Ex VAT Inc VAT
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Code:3M0449
3M G2000C Red Vented Slip-Ratchet Safety Helmet
€484.04
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Code:1531801
ENHA Syntis Classic Grey Regular-Peak Baseball Bump Cap
€30.11
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Sun Creams
Code:2769950
Deb Stoko Stokoderm Sun Protect 50 PURE Sun Cream 100ml
€13.22
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Code:2769900
Deb Stoko Stokoderm Sun Protect 50 PURE Sun Cream 1L
€93.15
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Code:2769021
Deb Stoko Stokoderm Sun Protect 30 PURE Sun Cream 100ml
€13.47
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Deb Stoko Stokoderm Sun Protect 30 PURE Sun Cream 1L
€66.19
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Sunscreen protects skin from the sun’s broad spectrum of harmful UV rays when spending time outdoors.
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