Straight-Talking, Sensible Advice for Occupational Health & Safety Professionals
Managing Heat Stress at Work: Are You Prepared?
As summer temperatures remain high across the UK, it's important to recognise that heat can pose serious health and safety risks in the workplace - especially for those working outdoors, wearing PPE, or even in warm indoor environments.
There's no legal maximum working temperature, but employers have a duty of care to ensure conditions are reasonable and risks are controlled. Practical steps can include:
Choose the correct PPE - lightweight and breathable
Protect against UV exposure - wide-brimmed hat, eyewear, SPF
Adjusting work schedules to cooler times of day
Providing shaded areas, fans, ventilation or air con
Encourage frequent water breaks and hydration
Look out for signs of heat stress - fatigue, confusion, nausea, muscle cramps, skin rash (workers should be trained to recognise and respond quickly to these)
Don’t forget about vulnerable workers - those with health conditions or taking medication may be at greater risk.
A Face Fit Test ensures that the mask seals properly to the wearer's face - helping protect against harmful dusts, fumes, mists or gases. Without it, even the best mask can be ineffective.
Ask us about our professional Face Fit Testing which can be carried out at your site or at our Wiltshire base. A fast and effective way to stay compliant and protect your team's health.
When a print industry employee showed high isocyanate levels during routine health surveillance, Safewell's Occupational Health and Health & Safety teams worked together seamlessly to tackle the issue fast.
Within days, we:
Identified and reviewed chemical risks
Carried out a full site assessment
Recommended and supported improvements in LEV, PPE, and air monitoring
Provided tailored Toolbox Talks and follow-up health surveillance
The result? A safer workplace, improved compliance - and peace of mind for both employer and staff.
Having both services under one roof meant we could act quickly and effectively - just one example of why our joined-up approach delivers real value.
