During the coming days we are all most probably going to have to deal with extreme heat at work.

Here at Attwaters Accidents we want everyone to stay safe and well during this time.

It’s so important to stay cool and drink water, look out for others who may be struggling. Safety and Health Practitioner (SHP) has put together this handy guide for workers and employees at this time.

They report that:

“As parts of the UK bask in soaring temperatures, many people will be wondering about what the rules are governing working in hot weather.

As parts of the UK bask in soaring temperatures, many people will be wondering about what the rules are governing working in hot weather.

For the first time temperatures of 40C have been forecast in the UK and the Met Office has issued the first ever Red warning for exceptional heat.

The Met Office has issued the following tips for keeping cool in hot weather.

• Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
• If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to phone to check that you are not having difficulties during periods of extreme heat.
• Stay cool indoors: Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
• If going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
• Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
• Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat.
• Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
• Make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling.
• Check the latest weather forecast and temperature warnings.
• During warm weather going for a swim can provide much welcomed relief. If you are going into open water to cool down, take care and follow local safety advice.

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The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 lay down particular requirements for most aspects of the working environment. Regulation 7 deals specifically with the temperature in indoor workplaces and states that:

“During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.”
However, the application of the regulation depends on the nature of the workplace, such as a bakery, a cold store, an office, a warehouse.

But these regulations only apply to employees – they do not apply to members of the public, for example, with regard temperature complaints from customers in a shopping centre or cinema.”

Attwaters Accidents is the Medical Negligence and Personal Injury department of the trusted, long-established firm Attwaters Jameson Hill. We are here to help you with any claims relating to personal injury and medical negligence.