As the temperature continues to rise, the GMB Union is calling for a legal limit on how hot it can be in a workplace. The union says that workers should not have to contend with temperatures higher than 25C, as forecasters predict a record high of 41C (106F) in England. This would be in line with health and safety regulations set in other countries. So far, the government has not commented on the proposal.

The GMB Union is a British trade union representing workers in various industries. The union is calling for a legal limit on the temperature in the workplace, as extreme heat can pose a severe health hazard to workers. The metropolitan office’s most serious warning applies to London, Manchester, and York.

According to the GMB, workplaces should have a maximum temperature of 25C, and staff should be allowed to wear cooler clothing and take longer breaks.

What are the Health Risks of Extreme Heat?

The body responds to extreme heat in two ways: dilating blood vessels in the skin and producing sweat. Increased blood flow to the skin allows more heat to escape from the body. When sweat evaporates, it cools the body.

A person’s core body temperature is maintained at a constant level of 36°C to 37°C, which helps ensure basic metabolic functions. However, they can also have negative consequences. Dilating blood vessels lowers blood pressure, forcing the heart to work harder to move blood throughout the body. This can cause heart attacks.

Excessive sweating can lead to the loss of salt from the body. In extreme cases, a low sodium level in the blood can result in nausea and headaches.

Dehydration can occur when the body does not have enough fluids to sweat. This can lead to heat exhaustion, which is a condition that causes dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition if left untreated.

How to Keep Safe When It’s Hot – Official Advice

1. Keep out of the sun between 11 am and 3 pm and avoid physical exertion.
2. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
3. Close curtains in rooms that face the sun
4. Never leave anyone in a parked car – and check in on elderly and vulnerable neighbors.
5. Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
6. Check medicines can be stored according to instructions – and check that your fridges, freezers, and fans are working properly.

Heath and Safety Executive Response

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises that workplace temperature should be 16 c if the job is physical. The temperature should not make people feel uncomfortable, so they cannot work safely or productively. Employers should also think about how to protect workers from overheating and what to do if someone does overheat.

HSE spokesperson said that the “responsibility to make workplaces safe and healthy lies with employers. Workplace temperature is a hazard that comes with legal obligations for employers like other hazards.”

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that every workplace is different. The maximum temperature does not exist because businesses that use hot processes, such as bakeries, glassworks, or foundries, will be unable to comply with the requirement.

Advice for Businesses and the Public

Businesses that operate during rush hours should let their office employees work from home or change their schedules to prevent rush-hour travel. There is a legal and moral duty to ensure workers’ health is not damaged during the hot weather. Employers should consider rescheduling work to cooler times of the day and provide cooling areas such as shade or air-conditioned restrooms.

The Railway and transport network of London has warned that people should only travel if it is necessary on Monday and Tuesday. They have warned customers that they can expect delays, cancellations, and short notice service changes because of the heat.

If you feel hot, dizzy, or unwell, it’s important to cool down as quickly as possible. Drink lots of cool fluids and move to a cooler place. If you don’t start to feel better or your temperature rises, call NHS 111 for advice. In an emergency, call 999.

What do you think of the GMB Union’s proposal? Do you think there should be a legal limit on the temperature in the workplace? Let us know in the comments!