The Society of Radiographers has outlined health and safety advice for its members and reps amidst the high temperatures across the UK in recent weeks.
While employers have to provide adequate ventilation, there is currently no maximum work temperature in the UK and the society is working with the TUC in fighting for this to change. The TUC currently has a week of action outlined on this issue.
Find out more about the campaign here: Workplace temperatures - week of action | TUC. Every rep that signs up gets a free thermometer sent to them alongside a free checklist.
'Employers have a duty'
As outlined on the Health and Safety Executive website, employers must stick to health and safety at work law, including keeping the temperature at a comfortable level and providing clean and fresh air.
In the meantime, employers should still be putting in place mitigations to protect workers' health and safety.
The SoR’s health and safety policy officer Rhys Martin said: “With climate change escalating, it is imperative that the law is changed with a maximum workplace temperature put in place for UK workers. Workplace temperatures will only continue to rise in the years ahead and legislation needs to change alongside this.
“We will continue at the society to work alongside our trade union colleagues and the TUC to make this a reality.
“In the meantime, each employer still had a duty to protect our members' health and safety.”
For full advice on what an employer should be putting in place, you can read the HSE guidance here: Temperature in the workplace: Is it too cold or hot to work? - HSE’