Staying Safe in the Heat: Health & Safety Tips for the Hottest UK Summer on Record

With forecasts predicting the hottest summer on record for the UK, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to protect health and wellbeing in the workplace. Whether you’re working outdoors under the sun or indoors in an office that’s struggling to stay cool, high temperatures can pose serious risks if not managed properly.

Here’s how employers and employees alike can stay safe and productive during a heatwave.

For Outdoor Workers

From construction sites to landscaping teams, outdoor workers are at the highest risk when it comes to heat exposure. Prolonged periods in direct sunlight can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even life-threatening heatstroke.

Top Tips for Staying Safe Outdoors:

• Stay hydrated: Provide and encourage frequent water breaks—ideally every 15–20 minutes, even if workers don’t feel thirsty.
• Modify work schedules: Where possible, schedule strenuous tasks for the cooler parts of the day (early morning or late afternoon).
• Provide shade: Ensure there are shaded rest areas and encourage regular breaks.
• Dress appropriately: Lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-coloured clothing helps reflect heat. Hats and UV-protection sunglasses can also reduce sun exposure.
• Use sunscreen: High-factor sun cream (SPF 30 or higher) should be made available and used regularly.

For Office-Based Workers

While it might not seem like a safety concern at first glance, working in a hot office can affect concentration, productivity, and wellbeing. Overheating can lead to headaches, fatigue, and in extreme cases, fainting.

Keeping Offices Cool and Comfortable:

• Ventilation matters: Ensure good airflow with fans or air conditioning. Open windows early in the day before temperatures peak.
• Adjust dress codes: Relax formal dress policies when appropriate—employees should be allowed to dress comfortably for the conditions.
• Stay hydrated: Provide easy access to cool drinking water. Encourage staff to take regular hydration breaks.
• Monitor vulnerable employees: People with medical conditions, pregnant employees, or those experiencing menopause may be more affected by the heat. Provide flexibility and additional support where needed.

A Shared Responsibility

Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure the wellbeing of their staff, which includes managing the risks of excessive heat. Equally, employees should take reasonable care for their own health and that of colleagues by following guidance and reporting any concerns early.

Spot the Warning Signs

Whether indoors or outdoors, everyone should know the symptoms of heat-related illness:

• Heat exhaustion: Dizziness, headaches, excessive sweating, muscle cramps, and nausea.
• Heatstroke: Confusion, rapid pulse, loss of consciousness—this is a medical emergency. Call 999 in the case of heatstroke.

Plan Ahead now for a Record-Breaking Summer

With early warnings of a record-hot summer, now is the time for organisations to review and update their heat management policies. Encourage open conversations about comfort and wellbeing, make practical adjustments to the work environment, and ensure all staff are educated on the risks of heat exposure.

How can oneSAFE help?

By taking the heat seriously, we can all keep cool, safe, and healthy.

oneSAFE provides employees with a platform to raise concerns and risks related to soaring temperatures.

oneSAFE also provides employers with the ability to share key policy updates and guidance across the business, ensuring employees are made aware of changes in the dress code but also the risks of rising temperatures and working in the heat.

To discuss your Health & Safety needs or to learn more about how oneSAFE can support the safety of your people, contact the team today:

Email: contact@onehrsoftware.com

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