Celsius News Item
Trades Union Congress Press Release issued 5 Aug 2003
Attention: industrial, regional and H&S correspondents plus planning desks
Heatwave workers at boiling point need protection
As Britain’s workers find themselves at the peak of another August heatwave,
the TUC is renewing it’s call for a legal maximum for workplace temperatures.
While there is a legal minimum temperature below which no-one should have to
work, there is no equivalent if it gets too hot.
Too much heat can cause fatigue, extra strain on the heart and lungs, dizziness and fainting, or heat cramps due to loss of water and salt. Hot, dry air can increase the risk of eye and throat infections, and breathing problems such as asthma and rhinitis.
The TUC is calling for a maximum working temperature of 30oC, or 27oC for those doing strenuous work. When the heat hits the maximum, employers should reduce the temperature, with, for example, fans or air conditioning. Workers, whose exposure to heat cannot be reduced, should be provided with adequate breaks and offered job rotation. Hot temperatures cause injuries and illness at work. Employees suffering in sweltering workplaces run the risk of:
· heat stroke and dehydration
· tiredness leading to accidents
· irritability and the threat of violence
· higher stress levels, with enhanced risks of mental and physical illness
TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber, said:
'Sweatshop conditions can push workers to boiling point. Extreme heat is as bad for you as extreme cold . There is no logic for having a minimum work temperature but no maximum.
'The TUC urges employers to be flexible in these tough temperatures. If they cannot reduce the heat at work they could relax dress codes, allow more breaks, and more shift rotation'
Notes to Editors:
Working in the heat can cause injuries and illness, directly and as a result of greater stress, increased violence and lack of concentration.
Workers affected involve transport workers, retail staff, cooks, farm workers and construction workers.
Office workers also suffer problems from the heat - lack of concentration can cause nasty accidents, with slips and trips still the major injury risk. Prolonged concentration at a VDU in a heat wave will have workers stressed, tense, exhausted and probably suffering headaches and eye strain.
People who work with the public, for example, benefit staff, leisure workers, shopworkers, teachers and bank staff, could be exposed to increased levels of violence.
People who work in the heat already are at increased risk of heat exhaustion when the outside temperature goes up. Cooks, bakers and foundry workers, for example, are at special risk.
The law on minimum temperatures is clear and unambiguous - 13oC for strenuous work, 16oC generally.
Many of the steps needed to reduce heat at work can be taken voluntarily, and the TUC believes that managers should agree action with union workplace Safety Reps where possible.
Workers deserve a legal right to be protected against the heat, a right that would also underpin voluntary measures.
All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
A series of TUC rights leaflets are available on our website and from the know your rights line 0870 600 4 882. Lines are open every day from 8am-10pm. Calls are charged at the national rate.