Excuse the title if you’re during ANOTHER bout of rain. Upon writing, we assume that the sun will grace us soon with an extended visit. We Brits wait all year for summer, don’t we?! Eagerly awaiting sunny picnics with a serving of vitamin D. Lazing in the sunshine under the shade of a tree. But then, bam… from nowhere, a heatwave can unexpectedly hit, and we’re wishing for a bit of that good old rain stuff
Funny, right? But not really when it starts affecting our work life. Here are some examples of how a heatwave can affect the workplace.
Productivity Plummets: The oppressive heat can sap energy, making it hard to stay focused and productive during work hours.
Health Hazards: Elevated temperatures can pose a serious health risk, especially for those working outdoors or in unventilated spaces.
Commute Chaos: Public transport systems can often struggle, leading to delays and discomfort during the daily commute and travelling to clients.
Tech Troubles: Overheated equipment can malfunction, causing disruptions and downtime in our digitally-dependent work environments.
Workplace Woes: Offices without adequate cooling can become unbearable, affecting morale and overall workplace comfort.
Our Tips to Stay Cool and Safe During a UK Heatwave
Heatwaves can be a big deal. There are serious health implications of working in extreme heat. They’re dangerous, especially if you’re working or exerting yourself physically, as many of your jobs involve. Your body can hit a danger zone if its temperature climbs above 40 °C. Even though there’s no legal maximum temperature for workplaces, employers must keep conditions reasonable.
For those working alone, this becomes an even bigger issue. Lone workers typically lack immediate support, making it harder to manage heat-related illnesses or emergencies. The isolation means no one is there to notice signs of heat exhaustion or dehydration, increasing the risk of serious health problems. Additionally, they might struggle to find cool, shaded areas or adequate hydration if they are constantly on the move or working in remote locations. This isolation, coupled with the hot temperatures, can severely affect their safety.
Top 10 Tips for Navigating Hot Weather Work Conditions
- Weather: Keep an eye on the forecast to plan work around the heat.
- Pollution: Hot weather can worsen air quality, affecting those with conditions like asthma, be mindful of this
- Clothing: Light, breathable clothing and sunscreen are your best friends.
- Travel: Have a backup plan for travel disruptions due to heat.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water.
- Flexible Hours: Adjust working hours to cooler parts of the day if possible.
- Dehydration: Spot the signs ~ Dark urine, excessive thirst, and lack of bathroom trips
- Environment: Keep your workspace cool
- Breaks: Take regular breaks to keep cool
- Check-Ins: Use a lone worker safety app for regular check-ins to ensure someone knows your status *see more below
Recognising Heat-Related Illness
Watch for these signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. If you are working alone, you must get help at once.
- Not sweating despite the heat
- Body temperature of 40 °C or above
- Feeling confused with shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Seizures, headache, dry mouth
Genius Hacks for keeping cool
We’ve seen many hacks tried over the years, here are some of our favourites:
- Place an ice pack in front of a fan.
- Wear damp socks from the fridge/freezer.
- Freeze an eye mask for forehead cooling.
- Pop ice under a baseball cap (brace for brain freeze!).
- Have a frozen hot water bottle in your lap or behind your back.
Lone working Safety Apps
MyTeamSafe® is your go-to solution for lone-worker safety. Want to try it out in time for the summer heatwave? Contact us at blog@myteamsafe.com for a no obligation free trial
Stay safe and cool, folks!