With temperatures set to reach as high as 34 degrees in the coming days, the challenge facing many organisations is how to help their people work safely, and productively, during the heat. Typically, many of us are taken by surprise when hot weather arrives – and that leaves many unprepared to cope with our work, both outdoors and indoors.
However, as hot weather is becoming more frequent as global temperatures rise, organisations need to be ever more prepared to help their people cope, especially those working outdoors.
In this article we give tips on how to stay safe in the heat, as well as discuss the risks of skin cancer which kills over 2,500 people each year in the UK.
Ways to work safely in the sun
Working outside in the heat requires extra care. Here’s what we suggest:
- Use SPF 30+ and reapply every 2 hours at least, it is very important for outside workers since you are sweating a lot whilst also being in constant sun. Apply it 20-30 minutes before going outside to allow it to become effective first.
- Make sure to double check the sunscreen is in date and is still effective. The longer it has been opened the less effective it becomes.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol.
- Take regular breaks. Moving into a shaded spot and grabbing some water to replenish.
- Wear a hat and protect the shoulders which burn easily.
- Look for the signs in others. Are co-workers slowing down or struggling in the heat? Symptoms of heat stress can include having a red face, excessive sweating, a heat rash, muscle cramps, dehydration and fainting. Keep a watch on your colleagues and don’t hesitate to suggest they take a break if needed.
For additional information on heatwaves, how they affect the body and staying safe in the heat, please see Heatwaves: What do they do to the body and who is at risk? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-49112807
These tips are useful to help you and your colleagues safe from getting third degree sunburn or heatstroke whilst working on site during the summer heat. But what about those who work in offices, or from home?
Working safely inside
- For those who work in offices during the sweltering heat it is best to stay hydrated and have the air-conditioning switched on – or use a desk fan if air-conditioning isn’t available.
- Look out for vulnerable workers such as pregnant women, those on medication and people who already work in hot conditions that are likely to become even hotter – such as kitchen staff.
- For home workers, desk fans are available from the usual suppliers. It’s best to be proactive and have one at home rather than wait until the heat arrives when supplies may be out of stock.
For extra information on workplace temperature please see the HSE page ‘Is it too hot to work? https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/workplace-temperature.htm#
The risk of skin cancer
Without better care in the sun, people are putting themselves in greater danger of getting skin cancer as well as other sun related health issues like heatstroke.
Skin cancer is grouped as non-melanoma and melanoma. Melanoma is much less common but much more dangerous and can develop anywhere on the skin not just through existing moles. Whereas non-melanoma appears most frequently where the skin is exposed to the sun most often such as someone’s head, neck, lips, hands and ears. It can also affect any previous scars, ulcers and burns that can’t heal.
Those who are at an increased risk of skin cancer are:
- People who are consistently exposed to the sun and high temperatures such as builders and other outside professions, even without burning.
- People who have fair skin, red or blonde hair.
- Someone who has many freckles or moles.
- Those who have a family history of skin cancer.
It is very important to be able to know how to spot the possible beginnings of skin cancer to help protect your health. This means that you must keep a regular watch on your skin, checking for any changes in colour, shape or size of any freckles, moles or just patches of skin that seem abnormal.
Additional information on skin cancer can be found at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/skin-cancer/risks-causes
In conclusion
While the UK doesn’t have prolonged periods of hot weather, when it does come it can be dangerous and unpleasant. It’s therefore important to keep workers health in the best possible condition. This isn’t just to help prevent sun and heat related illnesses from occurring, a healthier approach to hot weather will also mean your workers are more able to continue working which also prevents costly drops in productivity.
