Usdaw union has called for extra protection for retail workers as the Met Office warns of record temperatures this week.
The Union has specifically called me a legal maximum workplace temperate to protect the safety and well-being of workers.
“As temperatures are set to significantly rise and the Met Office has issued a red warning for extreme heat, we want workers to know that employers are expected to take reasonable steps to deal with uncomfortably high temperatures,” Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis said.
“Outdoor workers need sun and heat protection, some sort of shade if possible, suitable clothing, sunscreen of factor 30 or above, water to prevent dehydration and frequent breaks. Indoor workers need cool drinks, more frequent breaks, relaxed dress code, along with opportunities to remove and replace face coverings.”
READ MORE: Tesco, Waitrose and Aldi reveal record-breaking ice cream sales as UK gears up for heatwave
Along with the Trades Union Congress, the body has urged for a legal maximum working temperature of 30C – or 27C for those doing strenuous work.
Additionally, the union said employers should be adopting cooling measures when the workplace hits 24C.
Lillis added: “Experts say the comfort zone is normally in the region of 16°C to 24°C. As the temperature rises above this zone, heat exhaustion starts. People start to suffer loss of concentration, there are increases in accidents and loss of productivity. Symptoms include irritability, dizziness, headaches, nausea and fainting.”
“For better health and safety in your workplace, make sure you’re in a union and talk to your rep. Usdaw produces a helpful advice leaflet on this issue – Keep Your Cool Tackling Heat Stress at Work.”
