TUC HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATES & HEAT GUIDANCE
TUC Week of Action
Next week: 14th – 20th July, the TUC is inviting union health and safety reps to inspect their workplace temperatures during a week of action. The TUC has been providing free thermometers to trade union safety representatives. So far, 65 CWU Health and Safety Reps have received these thermometers. It is predicted that the UK could face another heatwave starting as early as 12th July.
Heatwaves are defined by the Met Office as periods of at least three consecutive days with temperatures meeting or exceeding a specific threshold.
Heat periods are defined by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) as at least one day with an amber heat-health alert in at least one region and/or a mean temperature of at least 20°C in central England.
The CWU supports the TUC’s call for a legal maximum indoor working temperature of 30°C, or 27°C for strenuous work. CWU has been engaging with the TUC, HSE, and other unions to advocate for changes to the Workplace Health, Safety & Welfare Regulations 1992 regarding working temperatures and risk guidance.
Updated working temperature risk guidance is urgently needed, especially considering that the Health and Safety Executive reports 4,500 cases of outdoor skin cancer annually. Many workers are unaware of the risks of heat illness.
The CWU guide attached to this LTB explains heat illness in detail and includes QR codes linking directly to NHS and WHO hot weather guidance.
While red and amber alerts attract media attention, yellow alerts are also significant. They indicate potential impacts on vulnerable groups, including the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, pregnant colleagues, and those on certain medications like antidepressants, which can interfere with thermoregulation.
Workers are protected under Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, which allows them to remove themselves from imminent danger situations. This protection is limited to immediate safety risks and not general discomfort. Employees should seek advice from CWU reps and line managers before exercising this right. Protection under Section 44 is an individual decision, but collective representations can be made for groups during high temperatures.
For pregnant workers, specific safety measures are outlined in Regulations 16-18 of the MHSW Regulations 1999. Employers must:
* Adjust working conditions or hours if possible;
* Offer suitable alternative work at the same pay; or
* Suspend her on paid leave if necessary to protect health and safety.
TUC New Resource Books
An updated version of the Safety Reps ‘brown book’ is now available for pre-order from the TUC. It features improved navigation and incorporates the Safety Reps and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 and the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996. Cost: £7. To order, email tuceducation@tuc.org.uk.
This book provides legal backing for safety reps to address health and safety issues confidently, making it an essential resource.
The TUC Hazards Book Version 7 is also available for pre-order. It is a 5-year update, priced at £25 for a single copy, with discounts for bulk orders over six copies. Pre-order at TUC website.
Both publications are valuable resources for CWU reps and branches.
This LTB is shared on behalf of CWU Central Services.
For questions or further info, contact:
TUC Webinar – Health and Safety in a Changing Climate: Wednesday 3 July 2024, 2pm – 3pm. The TUC is hosting a webinar to address health and safety challenges related to climate change.
TUC Guides & Reports for Safety Reps: The TUC offers various guides and reports, including the Hazards at Work Manual.
Early Day Motion (EDM) 344: Support for a maximum legal working temperature in the workplace, discussed in the House of Commons.
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