As the current sunny spell looks set to continue, a Level 3 heatwave alert has been declared for certain parts of the country.
London and the South East are subject to the warning, which means that people in those regions should be aware of what to do to protect themselves, and that social and healthcare services should take action to target high-risk groups.
As a consequence, the following measures are being advised to ensure that people in affected areas stay safe:
- try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm;
- if you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat;
- avoid physical exertion;
- wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes;
- drink plenty of cold drinks;
- where appropriate, remember to keep medicines below 25 °C or in the refrigerator;
- be aware of especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses; and
- never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
In the past week, Level 3 heatwave alerts were issued in Yorkshire and the Humber and in the South West of England. Other parts of the country have Level 2 heatwave alerts, meaning ‘be ready’ as there is a 60% chance of heatwave temperatures being reached.
Dr Angie Bone, Heatwave Plan lead for PHE, said:
“In this continued hot weather, it’s important to remember that high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for people who may be vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.
“During very hot weather, pregnant women and people who have chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal conditions, diabetes or Parkinson’s disease, may experience discomfort if indoor temperatures are particularly hot and in using public transport. Employers should ensure indoor areas are kept cool and consider allowing these individuals to travel to or from their place of work during cooler, or less busy, times of the day. For those working or exercising outdoors, strenuous physical exertion during the hottest part of the day should be kept to a minimum.
“The key message for healthy individuals is to follow public health messages on how to enjoy the sun safely by staying cool, drinking lots of cold fluids and checking on those you know are at risk.”
In such conditions, it’s vital that employers remember the health and safety of their outdoor workers. Although sunscreen isn’t considered to be Personal Protective Equipment (meaning that employers are not required to provide it), its use should be encouraged; outdoor workers should be advised to use at least SPF 15 if they can’t cover up.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has provided the following additional advice for employers:
- Provide sun protection advice in routine health and safety training (eg toolbox talks).
- Encourage workers to keep covered up during the summer months – especially at lunch time when the sun is at its hottest.
- Encourage workers to take their breaks in the shade, if possible.
- If possible, schedule work to minimise exposure.
- Locate water points and rest areas in the shade.
- Encourage workers to drink plenty of water.
- Keep your workers informed about the dangers of sun exposure
- Encourage workers to check their skin regularly for unusual spots or moles that change size, shape or colour.
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