As UK temperatures soar, employers must uphold their duty of care and fulfil health and safety obligations to all employees, says legal expert.

This comes after the Met Office issued a four-day amber extreme heat warning for the UK. As a result, many workforce leaders are enacting changes to working processes and location, with legal experts urging them to prioritise reasonable adjustment and fair treatment for all staff.

“Ultimately, employers have an obligation to look after their workforce’s welfare and wellbeing,” says Julie Duane, Barrister at St Philips Chambers and member of Birmingham Law Society. “Extreme heat can have significant affects on all individuals, with heat stroke and exhaustion very real threats. And as an employer, if you’ve exposed your team to something that could have been foreseeable, you could be vicariously liable. Therefore, making reasonable adjustments for your team is crucial.”

Such adjustments include additional breaks, flexibility with working hours and travel times, as well as the provision of ventilation for those working from home.

“If businesses have not already carried out a risk assessment for instances of hot weather, then it’s essential that this is undertaken,” Julie adds. “It’s particularly important to consider vulnerable members of the team, such as older employees and those who are pregnant or experiencing menopause.”

Pregnant individuals are more likely to become dehydrated or get heat exhaustion sooner than a nonpregnant worker. The summer weather can also be a trigger for people with asthma or breathing issues as the high temperatures and humidity cause still air, trapping pollutants.

“Those who are more susceptible to heat-related illness may need more regular rests. Using public transport could also exacerbate the effects of high temperatures, so employers need to be flexible in terms of working times. What employers need to be mindful of is that if adjustments are made for those working remotely, where there is a percentage still working from and office space, those options must be extended to all staff.

“With global temperatures increasing year-on-year, the UK is likely to experience more heatwaves and high temperatures. Employers must have robust processes, checks and balances in place to obviate any issues that might arise is key.” Julie concludes.

www.biriminghamlawsociety.co.uk or st-philips.com.