Tips to stay safe in a UK heatwave

We wait all year for summer; to enjoy a lazy picnic; top up on vitamin D; play outside with the kids and just generally feel better after a long harsh winter. Then, when we finally get it, it’s not all that it’s cracked up to be, and we’re left begging for the rains to return. How messed up is that?! What we wait so patiently for often becomes a heatwave that causes all manner of issues for our land, our animals, and for us. Bad enough when we have a nice relaxing day week planned, but a nightmare when working or trying to go about our day-to-day tasks. We have that growing to-do list with no momentum to complete it as getting through the day becomes more difficult with the heat sapping your energy, and the potential dangers lurking as the mercury rises

What are the health implications of working in extreme heat?

Some summers have been hotter than others, but this year seems to be different. We’re experiencing multiple heatwaves in the UK, we’re told to brace ourselves for more frequent and intense weather to come. Although this sounds quite frightening and sparks the environmental debate on whether this is ‘just a normal summer’ or climate control and something to be truly concerned about, it makes sense to ensure that we know how to protect ourselves as the temperature thermostat continues to ascent, and we move into uncertain times.

It’s very difficult for those who work in environments with heat, with or without the heatwave factor. Any physical exertion and strenuous activity can become increasingly dangerous during a heatwave, when your body temperature exceeds 40 degrees you are in the danger zone. The two combined are a disaster waiting to happen.

Although according to the HSE there’s no maximum temperature for a workplace, heat IS classed as a hazard and both employers and employees have a responsibility to each other to stay safe in such conditions. It’s worth remembering that you do have rights. Employers must make sure that their workplace remains at a reasonable temperature and look after their employees by reducing the risk of working in high temperatures. So, we advise that you discuss any concerns directly with your employer.

In the meantime, we have some tips for you.

10 Tips for the next UK heatwave

  1. Listen to your local weather forecast closely, which can help you plan and adapt your day where possible. Plan your calendar to ensure that you stay out of the sun/heat as much as you can
  2. Monitor air pollution too as this will become worse in hot weather and affect those with medical conditions such as asthma
  3. Wear suitable clothing and sunscreen to reflect the weather and environment you will be in
  4. Have a plan B when travelling as the heat can cause havoc on transport systems
  5. Drink plenty of fluid — alcohol isn’t quite what we mean here — as you will sweat out more than realise. Other suitable fluid replenishers include milk, small doses of tea/coffee, and high water content fruits & vegetables.
  6. Have some electrolyte supplements available for when #5 isn’t enough
  7. Watch for signs of dehydration. If you become more thirsty than usual, have dark urine, and go to the toilet less frequently, then please see this as a warning and get some water in you!
  8. Cover windows to ensure you keep the sun and heat out from your indoor environment, which will give you a safe place to cool off. Keep windows closed until the air outside is cooler, otherwise, you are just introducing hot air inside.
  9. Take a nice cool shower then sit in front of a fan, when the water evaporates this helps to cool you down. This may not always be possible, so running a cold wet flannel over exposed skin and letting it air dry may be enough
  10. Don’t be tempted to cool off in open water unless there are supervision and rescue services available

Do you know the signs of heat stroke/heat exhaustion?

If you suspect someone is suffering from the heat, keep a close eye on them. If you suspect dehydration heatstroke or heat exhaustion, get some medical advice/help as soon as possible. These are some signs to look out for:

  1. Not sweating although hot
  2. A body temperature of 40 or above
  3. Confused state
  4. Shortness of breath
  5. Rapid breathing
  6. A seizure
  7. Loss of consciousness
  8. Headache
  9. Diminished urine output over a period of time
  10. Dry mouth

How have you been handling the heatwave?

It is important to keep an eye on those around you, your elderly neighbours, your family, and your colleagues, they may not be coping as well as you think in this heat. If you are feeling the pressure to keep cool yourself, here are some genius ideas passed to us from some of our clients. Some awesome COOL ideas to become more comfortable during a heatwave and worth giving a try

  • Putting ice in front of the fan
  • Putting on damp socks from the fridge/freezer
  • Freezing an eye mask, then wearing it on your forehead
  • Add ice under a baseball cap (brain freeze?!?)
  • Freezing a ‘hot water bottle’ and sleeping with it at night

We would love to know what YOU do to help beat the heat!

Who are MyTeamSafe?

The HSE states that “Lone workers are those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision” With the MyTeamSafe App your lone working requirements are covered, and your employees are safer. Even more so during the additional stresses of a HEATWAVE! If you would like to try a FREE trial, please email us at blog@myteamsafe.com


MyTeamSafe®, an award-winning lone-worker App & proud supporter of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust

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