{"id":6443,"date":"2019-09-09T14:42:57","date_gmt":"2019-09-09T14:42:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.holmesmedia.co.uk\/?p=6443"},"modified":"2021-01-07T10:03:54","modified_gmt":"2021-01-07T10:03:54","slug":"hot-weather-working-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boilerguide.co.uk\/trade\/blog\/hot-weather-working-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Hot Weather Working Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

As temperatures continue to rise and hot weather records are broken year after year, the summer months are an increasingly uncomfortable time of year to be working.<\/p>\n

July 2019 saw temperatures in Cambridge reach 38.7\u00b0C – the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK. Toppling the previous record of 38.5\u00b0C which had been in place since 2003.<\/p>\n

In the UK, no laws set a \u2018maximum working temperature\u2019 which makes finding ways to keep cool highly important.<\/p>\n

Hot Weather Working Tips<\/h2>\n

When working in the heat, remember to consider the following 7 tips to keep you and your fellow workers safe.<\/p>\n

1. Keep hydrated<\/h4>\n

Drinking plenty of water might sound obvious but it can easily be forgotten when you\u2019re on the job.
\nIt\u2019s recommended to stick to drinking water over the likes of coffee, tea and other caffeinated soft drinks which can end up dehydrating you further. Carrying a bottle around with you is a great idea, especially if you\u2019re due to be travelling around from one job to another.<\/p>\n

2. Protect your skin<\/h4>\n

For anyone working outside, protecting yourself from the sun is vital. Cover yourself up as much as possible and don\u2019t forget the sunscreen.<\/p>\n

3. Wear sunglasses<\/h4>\n

It\u2019s just as important to protect your eyes as well as your skin so a high-quality pair of sunglasses are essential.<\/p>\n

4. Keep out of direct sunlight<\/h4>\n

During the middle of the day when the sun\u2019s at its peak is the worst time to be in direct sunlight. If possible, plan shifts to work outside of peak temperatures.
\nIn cases where you find yourself working in the middle of the day, aim to avoid direct sunlight, especially if you\u2019re working outside. This might be tough but finding ways to block out the sun will help to prevent heat exhaustion.<\/p>\n

5. Take frequent breaks in the shade<\/h4>\n

To avoid burning out take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors and use them as a chance to drink some water.<\/p>\n

6. Work shorter days<\/h3>\n

This one might be dependent on your employer but in soaring temperatures, especially if you\u2019re working outside, it\u2019s sensible to work fewer hours until the temperature drops to a more comfortable level again.<\/p>\n

7. Know the signs of heat-related illness<\/h4>\n

Being able to recognise the signs of a heat-related illness (such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke) means that you\u2019ll know when you could do with a break and even come to the aid of a colleague.<\/p>\n