Health and Safety advice on working in hot environments
This section provides advice on working during periods of hot weather.
Issues and risks
Outdoor work places
After the winter, everyone looks forward to being in the sunshine, not least of all those who work outside, in often increasingly longer hours of sunlight without realising that they could be literally exposing themselves to danger.
Exposure to the sun can cause skin damage including sunburn, blistering and skin ageing and in the long term can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK with over 50,000 new cases every year.
People can avoid unnecessary exposure by such means as:
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Wearing long sleeve shirts or loose clothing with a close weave;
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Wearing hats with a wide brim; and
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Taking breaks in the shade whenever possible.
Sun protection is important and people need to realise that sunburnt skin is damaged skin. A suntan is not a sign of good health.
Indoor workplaces
You must provide:
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a reasonable working temperature in workrooms usually at least 16°C, or 13°C for strenuous work (unless other laws require lower temperatures);
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local heating or cooling where a comfortable temperature cannot be maintained throughout each work room (eg hot and cold processes);
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thermal clothing and rest facilities where necessary, eg for ‘hot work’ or cold stores;
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heating systems which do not give off dangerous or offensive levels of fume into the workplace
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sufficient space in work rooms.
Talking leaflets
These files are provided in mp3 format,
INDG173 Officewise [MP3 5.8mb]
Health & safety law: What you should know [MP3 1.6mb]
INDG226 Homeworking [MP3 7.4mb]
INDG163 Five steps to risk assessment [MP3 4.9mb]
INDG225 Preventing slips and trips at work [MP3 3.2mb]
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