13 September 2018

A new report from the parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee has made a series of recommendations designed to help staff cope with the high temperatures we experienced during the summer of 2018.

The recommendations from MPs include a call for the government to consult on introducing a maximum workplace temperature to reduce the risk of heat stress.  The law currently only requires employers to maintain a ‘reasonable’ temperature in the workplace. Although there is a minimum statutory temperature of 16 degrees (or 13 degrees if work involves physical activity), the law does not specify a maximum temperature.

Other recommendations include reviewing building regulations to prevent overheating in new buildings and asking Public Health England to give guidance to employers urging them to relax dress codes and allow flexible working during heatwaves.

The Health & Safety Executive recommends that employers “take all reasonable steps to achieve a reasonably comfortable temperature” which can include using fans and increasing ventilation in hot weather. 

Salons can be hot workplaces in any weather, not only for the people working in them but for clients too.  So it makes sense to keep everyone as cool and comfortable as possible

NHBF chief executive, Hilary Hall, said: “salons can be hot workplaces in any weather, not only for the people working in them but for clients too.  So it makes sense to keep everyone as cool and comfortable as possible.  Our health and safety toolkit for salons, available to Members and non-members, includes practical suggestions for reducing heat stress. We don’t believe that the answer to working in a heatwave is to introduce legislation which would be yet another headache for employers trying to run a business and providing a livelihood for the people working in them.”

 

 

 

Further information 

The report cited in this article is Heatwaves: adapting to climate change

The NHBF health and safety toolkit is available to NHBF Members and non-Members.  For more information see:

www.nhf.info/benefits/health-and-safety-advice-for-hair-and-beauty-businesses