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Attention: industrial, regional and H&S correspondents plus planning desks

TUC calls for maximum workplace temperature

As Britain’s workers find themselves in another August heatwave, the TUC is calling for a legal maximum for workplace temperatures. While there is a legal minimum temperature below which no-one should have to work, there is no equivalent if it gets too hot.

Too much heat can cause fatigue, extra strain on the heart and lungs, dizziness and fainting, or heat cramps due to loss of water and salt. Hot, dry air can increase the risk of eye and throat infections, and breathing problems such as asthma and rhinitis.

The TUC is calling for a maximum working temperature of 30^oC, or 27^oC for those doing strenuous work. When the heat hits the maximum, employers should reduce the temperature, with, for example, fans or air conditioning. Workers, whose exposure to heat cannot be reduced, should be provided with adequate breaks and offered job rotation. Hot temperatures cause injuries and illness at work. Employees suffering in sweltering workplaces run the risk of:

· heat stroke and dehydration

· tiredness leading to accidents

· irritability and the threat of violence

· higher stress levels, with enhanced risks of mental and physical illness

TUC General Secretary, John Monks, said:

'It is farcical that we have a legal minimum but no legal maximum for workplace temperatures. Extreme heat can be just as dangerous as extreme cold. While there is no legal maximum working temperature, Britain’s workers are not protected from sweatshop conditions.'

Notes to Editors:

Working in the heat can cause injuries and illness, directly and as a result of greater stress, increased violence and lack of concentration.

Workers affected involve transport workers, retail staff, cooks, farm workers and construction workers.

Office workers also suffer problems from the heat - lack of concentration can cause nasty accidents, with slips and trips still the major injury risk. Prolonged concentration at a VDU in a heat wave will have workers stressed, tense, exhausted and probably suffering headaches and eye strain.

People who work with the public, for example, benefit staff, leisure workers, shopworkers, teachers and bank staff, could be exposed to increased levels of violence.

People who work in the heat already are at increased risk of heat exhaustion when the outside temperature goes up. Cooks, bakers and foundry workers, for example, are at special risk.

The law on minimum temperatures is clear and unambiguous - 13^oC for strenuous work, 16^oC generally.

Many of the steps needed to reduce heat at work can be taken voluntarily, and the TUC believes that managers should agree action with union workplace Safety Reps where possible.

Workers deserve a legal right to be protected against the heat, a right that would also underpin voluntary measures.

All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

A series of TUC rights leaflets are available on our website and from the know your rights line 0870 600 4 882. Lines are open every day from 8am-10pm. Calls are charged at the national rate.

• Applications for Congress media credentials can be made on line at http://www.tuc.org.uk/congress/media.cfm.
• If you have applied previously there is no need to reapply. Applications for media credentials must be received by 5pm Friday 23 August. Requests received after this date will be subject to a £30 administration charge.
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Contacts:

Media enquiries: 020 7467 1248 or email media@tuc.org.uk

Other enquiries: Tom Mellish 020 7467 1323 or email tmellish@tuc.org.uk

Press release (700 words) issued 15 Aug 2002