The risks involved when working outdoors in hot environments, relevant for industry tasks such as signage and graphics fitting, must also be managed, warned the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).
While some printing businesses, such as digital printing specialists, operate in air-conditioned environments, not everyone is as lucky.
There is no maximum workplace temperature because occupations with hot processes such as bakeries, foundries – and heatset web offset printers – would not be able to comply with such a regulation.
“They use other measures to control the effects of temperature. These other measures should also be used to manage the risk of working outdoors in a hot environment,” HSE noted.
John Rowe, HSE’s acting head of operational strategy, commented: “With a heatwave warning in place, it’s vital employers are aware of their responsibility to ensure their indoor workplaces are at a reasonable temperature.
“All workers have a right to a safe working environment and their employers should discuss working arrangements with them.”
He said that if workers had specific queries or concerns relating to health and safety in their workplace, they should talk to their employer.
The advice includes people working from home.
Unite the union urged employers to “help your workers keep their cool”.
“Please provide plenty of cold water, shade and time for breaks.”
Workplace expert Acas has also flagged the need for employers to be particularly mindful about employees who could be more vulnerable to the heat.
Chief executive Susan Clews said: “The warm summer weather may be a blessing for some, but many staff going into work on one of the hottest weeks of the year will not appreciate the heat.
"Some employees, such as pregnant women or older staff, may also be adversely affected by the extreme heat. The heat can also impact public transport too, which can affect employees commuting into work.”
A reminder of the top ten hottest UK days on record#Heatwave2022 #heatwave pic.twitter.com/l97zKjlkR6
— Met Office (@metoffice) July 18, 2022
Acas noted that people on medication could also be affected.
It suggested that employers could provide more frequent rest breaks, ensure ventilation is adequate by providing fans or portable air-cooling units, and relax any restrictive dress codes such as being required to wear a suit and tie.
The Met Office has issued its first-ever Red warning for exceptional heat for parts of England today (18 July) and tomorrow.
HSE has published advice on temperature and thermal comfort at work.
