WORKING IN HOT WEATHER
Introduction
As we move into the summer months and temperatures rise across parts of the UK, it is important that all Norse Group employees know how to keep themselves safe and healthy while working in the hot weather.
What are the Risks?
Common risks associated with high temperatures include sunburn, dehydration, tiredness, muscle cramps, rashes, eye damage, discomfort and even fainting. In severe cases, overheating can cause heat exhaustion and heatstroke, both of which are serious conditions which require urgent attention.
Tips for Keeping Yourself Safe
Whether working in an office environment, travelling between appointments/locations, or working outdoors, there are some simple steps that can be followed to ensure personal safety is maintained.
Stay hydrated – staying hydrated will help your body to maintain a normal body temperature. Avoid tea, coffee, and soda as much as possible as they can be dehydrating. Make sure you carry a bottle of water when travelling between appointments or working outdoors.
Wear sunscreen – sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself and can contribute to skin cancers. To protect yourself from sunburn, sunscreen of at least SPF15 should be applied every 1-2 hours.
Take regular breaks – when working outside, find shade so you can cool down and get out of the direct heat of the sun.
Protective clothing – where viable wear wide brimmed hats, long sleeve tops and bottoms to prevent sun exposure, though always in line with the safety requirements of the tasks being carried out.
Wear quality sunglasses – when working outside, to protect your eyes from the sun wear glasses with an adequate UV protection rating.
Air Circulation - if working within an office, ask your employer to provide a fan if there is no air con in the building or look for ways to improve air movement within the space.
Care for Heat Exhaustion
When a person suffers from heat exhaustion, they should find a cool space and drink plenty of water. If the symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour, it may be necessary to seek medical attention.
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Care for Heatstroke
Heatstroke requires emergency treatment as untreated it can damage the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing the risk of serious complications and even death. The condition is life-threatening and emergency services should be called immediately. While waiting for the emergency services to arrive, the person should be moved to a cool environment, excess clothing removed, and the person cooled with whatever means are available – by pouring cold water over the person or placing ice packs or cold wet towels on their body.
Toolbox Talks
Additional resources are available in relation to the risks and precautions of working in the hotter weather conditions these can be found at G:\SHEQ\IMS Framework\Group Documents\SMS\Toolbox Talks entitled,
Working in the Sun
Stay Safe in the Sun
Extreme Weather Working
This information must be shared across the Group to support everyone’s health and safety in the workplace.
Further Information:
If you require further information on this, please contact either:
Rob Dent – Group Health, Safety & Environmental Manager robert.dent@norsegroup.co.uk
Safety Concerns Mailbox safetyconcerns@ncsgrp.co.uk