Lone working in hot weather: tips for employers

Protecting Workers in Extreme Heat: Essential Measures for Hot Weather Safety

Each year, weather conditions continue to get hotter and more unpredictable due to global warming. Summers bring soaring temperatures that surpass previous records. According to the ERA5 dataset, the 7 days from the 3rd of July in 2023 were the hottest days on record globally. So, what can we expect this year?

It’s also worth noting that, by 2030, more than 2% of total working hours worldwide are projected to be lost annually due to extreme heat, which is a productivity loss equivalent to 80 million full-time jobs. (ILO, 2019) IOSH Magazine. In 2020, hot days could have reduced productivity in Great Britain by £5.3 billion even with some adaptation measures in place. (Office for National Statistics)

This article is a resource for employers on how to protect lone, remote and high-risk workers in hot weather conditions, offering heat safety training and personal safety tips. We have included practical advice, regulatory information, and how SoloProtect can support lone workers through the hot weather period.

Understanding the risks of working in hot weather

The main risks workers face in hot weather are heat stress and dehydration. Heat stress can manifest in various ways, but common symptoms include an inability to concentrate, muscle cramps, heat rash, severe thirst, fainting, heat exhaustion and the most severe, heat stroke. For lone workers, heat stress can be particularly dangerous as these risks are not limited to outdoor environments; indoor workers can also be affected.

To mitigate these risks, employers should conduct thorough risk assessments that consider the following factors:

• Work rate
• Working climate
• Work clothing and PPE
• Workers’ age, body type and any medical factors.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides a helpful Thermal Comfort Checklist that can be used to guide assessments.

Employer responsibilities and legal regulations

What temperature is legally too hot to work? There is no specific law in the UK for minimum or maximum working temperatures. Government guidance suggests a minimum of 16ºC or 13ºC if employees are doing physical work, but there is no guidance for a maximum temperature limit.

Can employees refuse to work if it’s too hot? Yes, employees can stop working if they believe that their working environment is damaging their health. If they are then penalised, they can claim at an employment tribunal states the Standard in the article ‘UK Heatwave: When is it too hot to work?’

It’s in every employer’s best interest to conduct proper risk assessments and ensure all workers are supported, especially during heat waves. This includes understanding country-specific heat safety regulations for all workers.

Practical tips for employers to protect lone workers from heat

• Control the temperature: Ensure indoor workers have access to cool air and schedule outdoor work outside the hottest period of the day (12-3 pm.)
• Limit work rate and length of exposure: Offer shorter shifts and ensure access to shade and cool air.
• Prevent dehydration: Provide free water and encourage regular breaks
• Personal Protective Equipment: PPE can reduce the body’s ability to evaporate sweat so provide regular breaks for employees wearing PPE.
• Training: Offer heat safety education so employees can identify symptoms of heat stress.
• Risk Assessment: Conduct assessments for all workers, including retail, construction and healthcare workers.
• Dress code: Adjust dress codes to accommodate hot weather.
• Heat Alerts: Sign up for Met Office Heat Health Alert service to plan ahead.

How SoloProtect safety devices can help in hot conditions

Our SoloProtect safety devices are designed to monitor, support and assist workers in hot weather conditions, using these features:

• Red Alert: A 24/7 panic alarm that connects to our Monitoring Centre, where operators can triage the situation and summon emergency services if needed.
• Incapacitation Alarm: (commonly known as a Man Down Alarm) Detects when a user is immobile, triggering an emergency response. This is crucial for workers who could faint or suffer severe heat stroke.
• Check-In: Allows users to leave a short message about any risks, how they are feeling, and their location, so help can reach them quickly if they become ill.

These features are available on the SoloProtect ID Touch and Classic, SoloProtect Sheild, SoloProtect Curve and the SoloProtect mobile app for Android and IOS.

SoloProtect Mobile also comes with a Mass Notification System which is useful for sending out important updates such as hot weather alerts.

Additional resources and support

For more information on working in hot weather and heat stress prevention for lone workers, explore the following additional resources:

Health and Safety Executive- temperature guidance

ACAS- Tips for employers to manage hot weather at work

National Safety Council- Avoiding heat-related illnesses

USDAW- Temperature guidance

As temperatures rise, the need to protect lone workers becomes increasingly critical. By understanding the risks, following legal guidelines, and implementing practical safety measures, employers can ensure their workers remain safe and productive during seasonal hot weather. SoloProtect’s range of technology can provide the essential support and monitoring needed to manage heat exposure effectively. Contact SoloProtect today to learn more about our lone worker safety solutions and how we can support your lone workers.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and keep your workers safe.

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