Extreme heat warning

As the UK swelters under the first heatwave of the year, bringing record breaking May temperatures, the call for a national maximum working temperature for workers continues to grow.

Last week (May 20) the Climate Change Committee (CCC) published a report  warning that UK temperatures are increasing faster than the global average, and called on action from the government.

The report, A Well-Adapted UK, sets out a comprehensive package of solutions to address the growing impacts of climate change affecting every aspect of life in the UK.

One of the key areas for government action is to protect people from heat, with the CCC saying that “Government should commit to a national maximum temperature for workplaces to protect workers’ safety and incentivise the deployment of cooling.”

Baroness Brown, Chair of the Adaptation Committee, said, “Our lives, our landscapes and our homes are under increasing pressure from the changing climate. But we are not powerless. In an increasingly unstable world, being well adapted to climate change is fundamental to securing our food, energy and economic security.  

“The solutions already exist, and proven technologies are available now to help the UK adapt effectively. With the right decisions and actions, we can protect the people and the places we love.”  

Unite has been leading the call for a change in the law and the introduction of maximum working temperature for some time now, but as workers struggle through another heatwave they are still waiting for the HSE to update its guidance, despite many countries across Europe bringing in laws to protect workers during extreme heat events.

Workers bear the brunt of the changing climate, with bus driver cabs reaching temperatures in excess of 40°C, outdoor workers overexposed to UV rays and some staff working in buildings with limited cooling, many workers already know excessive heat isn’t just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous if not handled correctly.

Many people still work in environments with poor ventilation, no temperature control, or no workplace adjustments — despite changing weather patterns across the country.

Unite is demanding clearer policies, including a legal maximum safe working temperature, so employers must put appropriate measures in place — with no ambiguity — and everyone can work in a safe environment.

Outdoor workers are at particular risk and last year Unite launched a new publication, “Workers in the eye of the storm” aimed at safeguarding workers during extreme weather events.

Unite national health and safety adviser Rob Miguel has previously said: “Unite is pressing for a maximum temperature for safe working of 27 degrees Celsius for strenuous jobs and 30 degrees Celsius for sedentary jobs.

“As the climate changes, it is vital that health and safety law is updated in line with the serious challenges this presents for workers. We urge the government to get a move on with this so that there can be no ambiguities in the workplace. 

The maximum safe working temperature that Unite is calling for is  “27 degrees Celsius for strenuous jobs and 30 degrees Celsius for sedentary jobs”, and the union has published Health and Safety guidance for workplace reps.”

Unite’s “Temperature at Work” Health and Safety guidance for workplace reps is available here, and the union has produced a template letter you can use to call your employer to take action – here. 

By Keith Hatch