More than 1,000 trade union health and safety representatives have launched a nationwide workplace inspection this week to ensure workers are protected during the current heatwave. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has organised the coordinated effort across Britain as temperatures soar.
Working in hot weather poses serious health risks including dehydration, tiredness, muscle cramps, fainting, and in extreme cases loss of consciousness, the TUC warned. Trade union representatives will check workplace temperatures and discuss protective measures with employers.
Safety measures under scrutiny
The inspections will focus on whether employers are providing adequate cooling in buildings, shaded areas for outdoor workers, and flexible working hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Union representatives are examining whether companies are taking sufficient steps to protect their workforce.
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said workers should be safe at work, but warned that heatwaves can be dangerous "especially when your employer wants you to carry on regardless". He called for stronger legal protections including a maximum working temperature.
Government action demanded
"That's why union reps are taking action this week to keep their workmates safe in the heat, and it's why we're calling on the government to strengthen legal protections with a maximum working temperature," Nowak said. The TUC is pushing for legislative changes to protect workers during extreme weather.
Nowak emphasised that many safety measures are "just common sense", including allowing flexible hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day. He also called for indoor workplaces to maintain comfortable temperatures and implement relaxed dress codes during hot weather.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
