A study has revealed the 15 of the most unbearable jobs to have during a British heatwave, ranked by LOWEST pay – and it’s NOT an office job!
The Met Office and Public Health England recently issued a heat-health warning after UK temperatures soared above 30 degrees, with London raised to a ‘Level 2’ on the scale.
But with only minimum legal temperature regulations in place, employees are expected to carry on even if temperatures exceed 40 degrees.
As such, fish and chip fryers are rated the worst job to have during a heatwave, according to CE Safety, as workers face temperatures up to 180 degrees and paid on average just £16,320 per year for it.
Health and safety training experts, CE Safety, have analysed 15 of the WORST jobs to have in a heatwave, ranking them by average UK salary.
Gary Ellis, Health and Safety trainer at CE Safety, said: “With the UK set to hit highs of 30 degrees in the next few days, awareness needs to be raised of workers operating in unbearably high temperatures. Current Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations doesn’t account for maximum temperatures, leaving employees at huge risk of developing serious heat-related health problems.”
So, what are the laws?
Although there is a minimum working temperature of 16 degrees, or 13 degrees if your work involves considerable physical activity; the regulation doesn’t include a maximum working temperature, meaning employees can be exposed to insufferable conditions without having rights. More information can be found here: https://cesafety.co.uk/these-are-the-worst-jobs-to-have-during-a-heatwave/
What are the side effects on your body?
According to health experts, high workplace temperatures can affect employees in a multitude of ways. Heat-related symptoms including exhaustion, dizziness leading to fainting are all common side effects of employees conducting strenuous work in over 20-degree heat. Workers can even get strain on their heart and lungs if temperatures continue to soar.
It is the responsibility of your employers to maintain safe conditions within the workplace, allowing for regular breaks and access to water.
Ellis has offered tips on how to keep your staff motivated in the heat:
- Relax the dress code – to help your staff feel better in the heat, consider relaxing the dress code. A number of jobs listed in the research were included due to heavy uniforms which can be unbearable when temperatures rise. Employers are under no legal obligation to relax dress codes in the heat, but if staff wear heavy-duty workwear daily, consider allowing them to wear alternative clothing temporarily.
- Flexible working – offering flexible working arrangements can help your employees cope a little better in the hot weather. Maybe they can start and finish earlier to avoid high temperature commutes. Alternatively, if staff are able to work from home, consider giving them the option to help boost their motivation through the feeling of extra freedom.
- Stay hydrated – ensure all staff have access to cold drinks by encouraging frequent breaks, as well as offering out cool treat or refreshments such as ice lollies and cold drinks. Dehydration is a key factor in heat illness, so it’s important you’re encouraging employees to keep their levels topped up.
