The following has been supplied by the TUC:
Sweltering workers struggling to cope in this summer's heat wave need legal protection, the TUC has said. The union body warns that because there is no maximum temperature for workplaces many workers are forced to work in conditions that are not only uncomfortable, but that could damage their health. Although workplace temperatures cannot legally fall below 16 degrees celsius, there is no upper limit. The TUC wants to see a maximum temperature of 30 degrees - or 27 degrees for those doing strenuous work - with employers asked to start thinking about cooling measures when the workplace temperature hits 24 degrees. Describing the absence of a maximum temperature a 'major omission' from the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) to the workplace regulations, TUC says safety reps 'often find that employers refuse to accept arguments that they have to take action on high temperatures, but are far more likely to take action when it gets to cold. This is simply because there is a set figure in the Approved Code of Practice.' TUC says a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) consultation on possible revisions to the ACoP provide a 'perfect opportunity' to raise the issue. It says HSE's proposals 'have totally ignored the issue. So we will still have a minimum temperature but no maximum. This is despite over a decade of campaigning and research showing the scale of the problem.' Pointing out that potentially deadly health problems can arise from overheating at work, TUC is urging concerned individuals to call for a maximum workplace temperature in responses to the ACoP consultation. An Early Day Motion tabled this week by Labour MP Linda Riordan commends the TUC and says workers should be sent home by law when temperatures get higher than 30 degrees (86F) to prevent potentially fatal accidents. It adds those doing 'strenuous work' should be allowed to down tools when their workplace temperature reaches 27 degrees.
