Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common, and employers should be aware of the impact high temperatures can have on their workforce. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, whether they work indoors, outdoors, or travel as part of their role. Exposure to extreme heat can lead to a range of health issues, including heat stress, heatstroke, dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, excessive sweating and, for outdoor workers, heat-related burns.
However, the risks associated with UV radiation are often overlooked. A recent survey by the British Skin Foundation and Auto Trader estimated that up to 14 million people may have experienced sunburn while driving, with one-third of respondents unaware that sunburn can occur inside a vehicle. Experts have highlighted that UVA radiation can penetrate car windows, resulting in cumulative exposure that increases the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. For employees who spend significant time driving as part of their duties, this may present an occupational health risk. Failure to adequately assess and manage such risks could expose employers to regulatory enforcement, civil claims, and potential implications for employer liability insurance.
Employers should pay particular attention to employees who spend a significant proportion of their working time driving or working outdoors. Prolonged occupational exposure to UV radiation can increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer and, where reasonable preventative measures have not been implemented, may give rise to regulatory scrutiny, civil claims, and associated insurance liabilities. As periods of extreme heat become more frequent, so too does the potential for these risks to materialise.
The wider impact of heat exposure on employee health, safety and performance is also significant. Recent research within the construction sector found that 44% of workers had experienced heat-related illness, 87% reported increased fatigue, and 61% experienced reduced concentration levels. These effects can not only increase the likelihood of accidents and errors but may also affect productivity and overall workforce wellbeing.
From an insurance perspective, frequent heatwaves could lead to:
Employer liability claims for occupational skin cancer.
Heat stress and exhaustion claims.
Accident claims due to lapses in concentration or fatigue.
Motor fleet vehicle insurance claims.
Public liability claims where heat-related errors result in injuries to third parties.
Impacts on employee attendance levels, long-term absences, business continuity, rehabilitation, and disability claims.
What should employers be doing?
UV radiation should be taken seriously and treated as an occupational hazard rather than a seasonal hazard.
Carry out and review a risk assessment that includes UV radiation and heat stress as workplace risks, with particular attention to drivers and outdoor workers.
Introduce and implement heat protection policies. Practical steps include the provision of sunscreen, ensuring windows are kept open to allow fresh air to circulate, providing air conditioning or fans, using blinds or fitting reflective films to windows, placing workstations away from direct sunlight and heat sources, insulating hot pipes that generate heat, replacing heat-generating light bulbs, relaxing the company dress code or policy, and considering flexible working arrangements. For example, introducing earlier start and finish times, providing an adequate supply of drinking water, ensuring staff take their mandatory breaks or increasing the number of breaks, providing weather-appropriate PPE, allowing staff to remove PPE during rest periods, ensuring you have a fully stocked first aid kit, and consulting staff so they can raise any concerns with their line manager.
Protect drivers and inform them about the risks of UV radiation. Consider fitting UV filters to vehicles.
Plan for heatwaves and consider adjusting working hours where possible.
Keep and maintain appropriate records.
The Quest Health and Safety Helpline is available on 01455 852 028 to guide you and offer assistance.
