SUMMER 2024 As the weather warms up, the risk of heat stress for workers increases. Are you doing all you can to ensure your staff are safe? What is heat stress? Heat stress happens when the bodys way of controlling its internal temperature starts to fail. As well as air temperature, factors such as work rate, humidity and work clothing may lead to heat stress. You and your workers must be aware of how to work safely in high temperatures. This means identifying the factors that can cause heat stress, and how to avoid them. What is a typical heat-stress situation? Someone wearing protective clothing and doing heavy work in hot and humid conditions could be at risk because: Sweating is restricted by clothing and humidity Body heat increases because of work rate, so core body temperature rises The body reacts by producing more sweat, which may cause dehydration Heart rate increases, putting more strain on the body. Contrary to popular belief, there is no maximum temperature for workplaces. However, all workers are entitled to an environment where risks to their health and safety are controlled properly What are the symptoms of heat stress? Heat stress can affect people in different ways, and some are more likely to suffer it than others. Typical symptoms are: An inability to concentrate Muscle cramps Heat rash Severe thirst a late symptom of heat stress Fainting Heat exhaustion fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headache, moist skin Dehydration Heat stroke hot dry skin, confusion, convulsions and eventual loss of consciousness. This can result in death if not detected at an early stage. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations require employers to provide a reasonable indoor temperature in the workplace. This depends on the work activity and the environmental conditions. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, employers must assess the risks to workers and put controls in place to protect them. Temperature in the workplace is one of the risks you should assess, whether the work is being done indoors or outdoors. You should consult with workers or their representatives on the best ways to cope with high or low temperatures. Contrary to popular belief, there is no maximum temperature for workplaces. However, all workers are entitled to an environment where risks to their health and safety are controlled properly. Heat is classed as a hazard and comes with legal obligations, like any other hazard. How do I assess the risks? Where there is a possibility of heat stress occurring, you need to consider: Work rate the harder someone works the more body heat they generate Working climate this includes air temperature, humidity, air movement and working near a heat source Clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) these may prevent sweating and other ways of regulating temperature A workers age, body type and medical factors (for example, a hormonal imbalance) may affect their tolerance of heat. Talk to your workers (and their safety representatives) to see if they are suffering early signs of heat stress. If there is a problem, you may need expert advice from occupational health professionals. How can I reduce the risks? Remove or reduce the sources of heat where possible. Control the temperature using engineering solutions for example: Change processes Use fans or air conditioning Use physical barriers to reduce exposure to radiant heat for example, machinery How can I limit work rate and length of exposure Provide mechanical aids where possible to reduce the work rate, and regulate the length of exposure to hot environments by: Only allowing workers to enter the workplace when the temperature is below a set level or at cooler times of the day Issuing permits to work that specify how long people should work in situations where there is a risk Providing periodic rest breaks and rest facilities in cooler conditions. The Health and Safety Executive has provided a Heat Stress Checklist that you can download. Credit: John Harvey, Environmental Health Officer Image: iStock.com / Orawan Wongka Anonymous Hotline For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service For up-to-date news stories and information, follow us on 0300 303 2636 Is your sector being undermined by unscrupulous traders operating outside the law? Report them via Trading Standards Anonymous Hotline or online and help level the playing field for honest businesses.