Prepare for the Heatwave!

With temperatures expected to soar this week, what can you do to help your employees?

Our recommendations include:

  • Where possible avoid employees working outside in the mid-day sun, or provide shaded areas as much as possible
  • Ensure appropriate clothing is worn, you may need to temporarily relax your dress code to accommodate this, for those working outside recommend a hat and light clothing, for those working inside without air conditioning, perhaps ties would not be mandatory in the hot weather
  • Monitor breaks to ensure they are taken regularly and if possible provide a suitable area away from sunlight
  • Provide refreshments – ensure access to water to avoid dehydration
  • Remind employees of the importance of regularly applying sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
  • Allow employees to wear sunglasses for additional protection

Remember that some employees may be affected more by the heat than others for example pregnant workers – talk to these employees on an individual basis to assess their needs.

How hot is too hot? According to HSE guidelines a specific figures cannot be given for temperature in terms of heat in the working environment. This will depend on what control measures are already in place and what additional measures could be put in place.  Temperature is a potential hazard and should be covered within a risk assessment carried out in the workplace. If you require further advice on this please do not hesitate to contact one of our advisors.

This post is in: Blog

Change of date for Early May Bank Holiday 2020

Early May Bank Holiday 2020 will be slightly later than originally scheduled. Monday 4th May was due to be a Bank Holiday for early May, however, to mark the 75th anniversary of VE day, this Bank Holiday will be moved to Friday 8th May 2020 enabling a three day weekend of commemorative events!

This may impact on your part time employees and their annual leave entitlement. Ensure that you communicate this change to your employees as soon as possible. A full list of the 2020 Bank Holidays can be found here.

This post is in: Blog