There are calls for employers to be more “flexible” with work arrangements in the coming days, as rising temperatures could lead to temperature extremes in some offices.
according to the professional body for human resources and learning and development, CIPD Ireland, which issued the advice amid reports that the mercury could reach more than 30 degrees early next week.
Ireland has no upper temperature limit when it comes to working conditions, but the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) recognizes that “an acceptable temperature for office work is in the range of 18C – 23C”. The HSA’s Guide to Occupational Safety, Health and Welfare Regulations 2007 also emphasizes that a thermometer should be available if an employee wants to check the temperature.
“In cases where it is difficult to maintain an adequate overall temperature, it may be necessary to provide effective local heating, protective clothing or cooling at individual workstations,” says the HSA guide.
“The fact that no maximum temperature is set in the Regulation does not mean that any temperature is acceptable. At high or uncomfortable temperatures, especially if not caused by temporary weather conditions, cooling must be provided.”
Mary Connaughton, director of CIPD Ireland, said Ireland’s changed employment landscape means workers now work in a wide variety of environments, including in the workplace itself, remote hubs and their own homes.
“People’s health and safety should be a priority as always, and while the high temperatures are only expected to be with us for a few days, it’s worth being prepared,” she said.
“This is an opportunity to let flexible work practices do what they were designed to do, and adapt to circumstances at any given time. We’ve gotten better at using this source of flexibility over the years, so it’s worth it.” worth keeping that in mind in the coming days”.
Ms Connaughton has argued that employers should facilitate home working “within reasonable limits”, while acknowledging that some employees prefer to carry out their duties in an air-conditioned office.
“Starting and finishing earlier may be an option for some, while others prefer to do some work in the cool of the evening. Work environments should be arranged in such a way as to minimize any excessive effects of sunlight, such as using blinds, adjusting the layout of the workspace.
“If a company has a fixed uniform for employees, consider loosening it to suit the temperatures. Warm weather can affect concentration levels, which can be a big problem if someone is operating heavy machinery – so this has to be done on site be assessed.”
Meanwhile, the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) said that in light of the expected temperatures, “employers will do everything they can to ensure their employees remain comfortable as temperatures rise at work”.
“To ensure that temperatures in the company building(s) are reasonable, fans and air conditioners must be turned on to keep workplaces comfortable. The improved and improved ventilation systems that many employers will have invested in over the course of the Covid -19 pandemic will also help in this regard. In addition, blinds can be used to minimize sunlight,” IBEC said in a statement.
“Particular attention should be paid to certain cohorts of vulnerable workers, such as the elderly, pregnant women or those taking medication who may need extra rest breaks. These individuals should be prioritized for fans and reminded to stay hydrated.
“Staff required to wear PPE to work may also need more frequent breaks, opportunities to rehydrate and change PPE more frequently. Employers must provide the personnel in the workplace with suitable drinking water.”
IBEC said commuting to work can be “extra challenging” during periods of high temperatures, especially for “older workers and pregnant women,” and employers might consider offering these workers “off-peak commutes or parking.” where available”.
“Alternatively, depending on the nature of the employee’s role, it may be possible to have the person work remotely on the days when temperatures are expected to peak. In a situation where the employee already has a hybrid work pattern, There should be room for the employee to change their designated days in the office for the week in question,” the statement added.
IBEC said employers should also remind staff who work outdoors to wear appropriate clothing and use sun protection, while — to avoid heat-related illness — workers may also need to “reduce, eliminate or relocate strenuous activities” until it is over. coolest time of the day.