The escalating frequency and severity of extreme heatwaves pose a significant threat to the health and safety of the UK workforce, a concern articulated in a recent report by Autonomy, a think tank focused on empowering democracy and economic reform. This report reveals alarming forecasts: by the end of the 2020s, approximately two-thirds of the UK's labour force could be forced to work in conditions exceeding 35°C. In a worst-case scenario, more than 99% of the workforce may encounter extreme heat events during the latter part of the 21st century.

Despite these troubling projections, UK legislation lacks specific guidelines regarding workplace temperatures, failing to set a minimum or maximum threshold. Autonomy's recommendations aim to address this legislative oversight, notably by proposing an adverse working temperature threshold of 27°C, which would mandate a cessation of work activities beyond this limit. In contrast to the UK, many countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Spain, and Cyprus, already impose legal maximums for working temperatures, which can serve as valuable precedents for UK policymakers.

The report emphasises that, presently, UK law requires only that employers ensure a "reasonable" working temperature. Current guidelines specify minimum indoor temperatures of 16°C or 13°C for demanding physical labour but do not impose legal limits on upper temperatures. This regulatory gap is concerning, especially in light of findings from organisations like Acas that highlight employers' duty of care in creating a comfortable working environment. These guidelines advocate for health and safety risk assessments and adjustments to work practices to counteract the adverse effects of high temperatures.

Moreover, there is an increasing international recognition of the importance of regulating maximum workplace temperatures. Following recent extreme weather events, countries like Greece and the United States have begun to adopt temporary measures aimed at mitigating the risks associated with workplace heat. Such initiatives may not only outline immediate steps for employee protection but may also spur broader shifts in public policy regarding climate adaptation.

With the Trades Union Congress (TUC) championing a campaign for a week of action focused on workplace temperature regulations, there is a growing call for systematic change in how the UK addresses the realities of climate change for employees. Recommendations from the report call for practical measures: providing adequate shelter, ensuring regular breaks, and considering work stoppages during extreme heat periods. This comprehensive approach reflects a proactive stance towards scaffolding worker health and safety against the formidable backdrop of climate change.

As the workforce grapples with the implications of increasing temperatures, there is a consensus that governmental action is essential. Workers in sectors increasingly exposed to the elements will require robust protections to navigate the challenges posed by soaring temperatures. The necessity for a structured response to heat in the workplace is not just urgent; it is a crucial aspect of adapting workplace policies to safeguard workers' health in a changing climate.

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Source: Noah Wire Services