As Britain’s workforce find themselves boiling over in the heatwave, the Guild of British Security Officers is renewing it’s call for a maximum legal working temperature in the workplace. Whilst many employees know there is a minimum legal working temperature below which no-one should have to work, there is no equivalent if it gets too hot. Current legislation provides only that the workplace temperature is "reasonable".

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 Guild of British Security Officers is currently supporting the TUC and GMB Unions for a legally enforcable maximum working temperature of 30oC, or 27oC 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, offered job rotation and be provided with chilled water. 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 A TUC Spokesperson is quoted as saying 'Sweatshop conditions can push workers to boiling point. Extreme heat is as bad for you as extreme cold . There is no logic for having a minimum work temperature but no maximum. 'The TUC urges employers to be flexible in these tough temperatures. If they cannot reduce the heat at work they could relax dress codes, allow more breaks, and more shift rotation' People who work with the public, for example, benefit staff, leisure workers, shopworkers, teachers, bank staff and security officers, could be exposed to increased levels of violence as people lose their cool. 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 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 - 13oC for strenuous work, 16oC generally. Many of the steps needed to reduce heat at work can be taken voluntarily, and the Guild believes that managers should agree action after employee consultation.