PETITION: We need a maximum workplace temperature in the UK

As amazing as this weather is, in many workplaces it's just too damn hot to function. It's time for a legal maximum temperature.

From offices to restaurants, shops to factories, the temperature is too damn high right now in many workplaces.

The Met Office has issued an ‘Amber’ level three warning, which means we’re officially in a heatwave.

Although there’s clear guidance on what happens when it gets too cold at work (13°C, or 16°C for physical work), there’s nothing in the law about what happens when it gets too hot.

We’ve heard stories of temperatures reaching 48° in certain workplaces during this current heatwave, while there are real risks of people dying in the heat.

And Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee has just called for the government to consult on maximum temperatures for workplaces.

The government should listen. Rather than putting profits first, we need to put workers’ rights at the centre.

As the TUC note:

“If the temperature goes too high then it can become a health and safety issue. If people get too hot, they risk dizziness, fainting, or even heat cramps.”

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“The law only gives minimum working temperatures, but the hot summer we’re having has shown the need for a maximum limit too. It’s great to have support from MPs for this commonsense policy, and we hope the government will take quick action.”

We need to build the pressure for the government to listen – sign our petition here:

Petition: Set a maximum workplace temperature

This petition is now closed.

End date: Aug 02, 2018

Signatures collected: 316

Signature goal: 1000

316 signatures

Signature goal: 1000

 

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