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SUMMER
CONSIDERATIONS
As the days lengthen, it is time to consider the
issues of, summer working. This bulletin highlights some of the
potential hazards, which may arise out of working in the hotter
and longer days of the summer. The main method by which humans maintain
their temperature at a comfortable and healthy level in raised temperatures
is by perspiration.
The energy needed to evaporate the water from the surface of the
skin reduces the
heat of the body. Where the humidity is high, the perspiration cannot
evaporate and so this means of heat regulation is lost. In temperatures
over 37°C, or humidity above 80% relative humidity (RH) for
workers in normal clothing, sweating is no longer an effective means
of losing body heat.
Sun burn and skin cancer — when scheduling
work in the open air, which is usually quite popular at this time
of year, care must be taken to protect the workers from the harmful
effects of sunlight. The main hazard is ultraviolet radiation. Although
skin cancer is potentially lethal, sunburn can be a serious problem
too. The burns caused by excessive sun are just as serious as any
other burn. The ability to wear loose fitting clothing, and approach
your employer to provide sun protection cream — factor 15+
(HSE guidelines).
Glare — during the longer days it is more likely that, at some
time of the day, the worker will be subjected to glare from sunlight.
In many offices, people do not wish to “miss out” on the
sun and are reluctant to close curtains or blinds. Also, direct
sunlight or reflected light from water or shiny surfaces can cause
early visual fatigue, through the eyes of the worker constantly
having to accommodate to widely changing light levels.
Staffing problems — whilst for many this is a time for relaxation
and enjoyment, for others it is a time of increased workload, reduced
staffing and general misery. Whilst the reduced staffing levels
during holidays are not avoidable, the increased stress that can
be caused by them is. Where possible, the work demands should be
reduced proportionately or, where this is not practicable, the working
conditions of the remaining staff should be altered to assist them.
Systems of work — one way of controlling
risks is by modifying the systems of work in use, to reduce the
exposure of the workers to whichever hazard is the most significant.
In general, the best means of control is to eliminate the risk.
Maintenance and cleaning — good maintenance
and cleaning of the workplace is particularly necessary in the summer
season. The drier weather can result in increased levels of dust
being carried around in the air. Similarly, any items of electrical
equipment in a poor state of repair are likely to generate more
heat than necessary, adding to the heat problems in the workplace.
The control of the effects of high heat
stress can involve increasing ventilation or job rotation, but,
when possible, tasks should be arranged to reduce the need to expose
workers to high heat or humidity levels. The physical abilities
of the worker has an effect on his or her tolerance to high heat
stress and so health promotion and health surveillance are worth
considering and may well repay any extra costs owing to the reduced
error rate and increased quality of work. The effects of heat stress
on particularly vulnerable workers, such as the young and new and
expectant mothers, must be considered and their special needs met.
Where equipment such as temporary portable air chillers or electric
fans are used as control methods, it is particularly important to
ensure that their installation and use does not increase any hazards
where they are used.
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