Agenda for keeping cool

Employers should take steps to help workers keep cool in hot weather, the TUC has said.

It has called on employers to allow staff to adopt less formal dress, such as short sleeves, vest tops and shorts.

The right equipment can help and the TUC suggests that employers distribute fans to staff and provide portable air cooling cabinets. Where air conditioning is installed it should be maintained regularly, so that it doesn’t break down during a heat wave.

Flexible working should be allowed so that staff can avoid the sweltering conditions of the rush hour commute.

Practical measures like moving desks away from windows, drawing blinds or installing reflective film, allowing staff to take frequent breaks and providing a ready supply of cool drinks are on the TUC’s cool agenda too.

www.tuc.org.uk/workplace-issues/health-and-safety/workplace-health-safety-and-welfare/relax-workplace-dress-codes