There are extreme weather warnings in place across England today and tomorrow with temperatures forecast to reach a record-breaking 40C. Chief Meteorologist for the Met Office Paul Davies warned of "oppressive" heat on Monday night followed by Tuesday temperatures that look likely to top England's highest ever on record of 38.7C.
He told Sky News: “Tonight will be very oppressive, I mean it’s actually difficult sleeping conditions. And tomorrow is the day where we are really concerned about a good chance now of hitting 40 or 41C, and with that all the health conditions that come with those higher temperatures.”
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England, Wales and much of Scotland are covered by extreme weather warnings for heat today and Tuesday. England has amber and red warnings in place.
The chance of record-breaking temperatures coincides with the working week for many, and schools in England have yet to break up for the summer.
But how hot is too hot to work?
Deputy chief medical officer Thomas Waite said there was “no single answer” to the question of an appropriate temperature for a working environment. Dr Waite said it was more important for people to “adapt their behaviour” to hotter weather, for example by taking more breaks and keeping hydrated.
“From a medical perspective, there is no one single answer to that. What is more important is people are able to adapt their behaviour when it’s hotter or indeed when it’s cooler,” he told Good Morning Britain.
“That can involve taking more breaks, making sure you’ve got plenty of access to water and shade for people who are working in outdoor environments.”
Dr Wait said “headteachers know their building best” when asked if the Government supported schools closing down during the heatwave. Dr Waite told GMB there was no “one size fits all” for schools and that some would be easier to keep cooler than others.
The deputy chief medical officer for England added that some children may be able to stay cooler by getting “out and about” and staying well-hydrated. He said: “Headteachers know their buildings best and obviously some buildings are easier to keep cool than others. And for many children actually it might be cooler and easier to get out and keep yourself sort of well hydrated and in the fresh air.
“If you’re going to school, there isn’t really a one size fits all as there isn’t for any building. We’re very grateful to the headteachers and headmaster you have on this programme earlier on for the steps they’re taking to keep children safe.”
Rules and advice on heatwave temperatures and working
There is no rule that says a certain temperature makes it too warm to work. However, employers are responsible for “keeping the temperature at a comfortable level” and “providing clean and fresh air”, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says.
If an employee is too hot, the HSE advises they remove layers of clothing, use a fan and use window blinds where available.
Workers are also urged to:
- In warm situations, drink plenty of water (avoid caffeinated or carbonated drinks)
- If possible, work away from direct sunlight or sources of radiant heat
- Take regular breaks to cool down in warm situations and heat up in cold situations
- Raise the issue with your managers or, if you can, with your union or other workplace representatives
Talk to your boss if it's too warm
The HSE says to talk to your manager, supervisor, union representative or employee representative about:
- Where possible ensuring windows that open, fans are provided to promote local cooling and radiators can be switched off or air conditioning units are maintained
- Introducing work systems to limit exposure, such as flexible hours or early/late starts to help avoid the worst effects of working in high temperatures
- Relaxing formal dress codes
- Insulating hot plant or pipes
- Moving workstations away from hot plant or out of direct sunlight
- Including assessments of thermal risk as part of workplace risk assessments
Gary Wedderburn, a senior adviser at Acas, a government-funded body that advises on workplace rights, said: “High temperatures in the workplace can have an adverse effect on employees, particularly pregnant or elderly staff, or employees taking medication. The Health and Safety Executive advises that temperature in workplaces must be reasonable and provides guidance on carrying out a thermal risk assessment.
“In order to stay cool at work, Acas recommends switching on fans or air conditioners and using blinds or curtains to block direct sunlight. Staff working outdoors should wear appropriate clothes and use sunscreen. Employers could also consider relaxing rules around wearing ties or suits and staff should remember to stay hydrated.”
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