Advice: keep everyone safe in hot weather

1

What are the key dangers for hospitality workers?

Working on their feet, navigating hot kitchens or serving in sunny beer gardens – hospitality staff are at the mercy of soaring temperatures. Rooms with lots of windows or limited ventilation and materials, surfaces or equipment prone to overheating can be risks that lead to heat stress, cramps, rashes and exhaustion.

2

What are the laws around hot weather working?

As Acas Advisor John Palmer explains: “There’s no legal minimum or maximum temperature for workplaces, but employers do have a duty of care to make sure they’re reasonable for their staff.” If a heatwave is on the way, you should plan ahead to carry out risk assessments and put in protective steps. 

3

How can employers support their teams?

One easy way is by relaxing dress codes, as long as staff are still safe and protected. Encourage them to wear SPF, allow extra breaks, provide fans for cooling off and make sure there’s a suitable source of drinking water. 

4

Which employees are most vulnerable?

Some of your team might be more at risk, such as those who are differently abled or taking medication. Employers must carry out risk assessments for these people and all women of childbearing age, including any staff who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a baby. 

5

Get ready for risk assessments

• Check who to invite, thinking about your team members’ different needs.
• Sit down with employees and ask about their concerns to find the right solution.
• Consider adjusting their hours to cooler times of the day or installing an air-con unit where they work.
• If a risk can’t be avoided, you can suspend the individual on full pay until it’s resolved.