A union suggested that it can be too hot to work and there should be laws to protect workers
The GMB union says that people shouldn’t have to work in temperatures higher than 25°C (77°F).
Currently, there are no laws in the UK which say it can be too hot or too cold to work. However, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a UK government agency, a workplace should be 16°C. If the job is physical with lots of movement, 13°C is recommended.
A spokesperson from the HSE says that every workplace is different, so a law can’t be set. It’s an employer’s responsibility to make sure a workplace is safe. Different jobs have different hazards and temperature is one type of hazard.
Lynsey Mann, the health and safety officer at GMB, says that there needs to be a law that states the maximum temperature for work. She also says that employers should give more breaks, water, and sun cream on very hot days.
The Unite union says that manual workers are most at risk. It wants employers to reschedule work to mornings and evenings when it’s cooler. They should also provide shade or air-conditioned places to rest.
Network Rail and Transport for London have both asked people to only travel if necessary during the heatwave.
The companies warned customers that there will be delays, cancellations and last-minute changes to services because of the heat. They also recommended that passengers bring water and not travel if they feel ill.
VOCABULARY
- Union (trade union) – an organization that workers join for protection and support
- Law – a rule, regulation, or guideline set by the government
- Workplace – a place where people work; office, work location
- Employer – a company or person that pays people to do work; a company that employs people
- Hazard – danger; risk; difficulty
- Manual worker – a person who works in a job with a lot of movement and physical activity
- At risk – exposed to danger; a chance of danger; the possibility of danger
- Shade – an area not hit by the sun; a large shadow; an area not in direct sunlight
- Heatwave – a period of very hot weather
- Ill – sick; not well
Original story from BBC below:
