Although UK summers do not always bring consistent hot weather, there can be unpredictable hot days, sometimes even when the summer season is supposedly over. In this article, we will outline some risks of working on roofs on hot days, and some tips on how to minimise health risks.

The risks of working in hot weather should not be underestimated. It can have an immediate effect on someone, or the effects could creep up slowly.

According to work regulations in the UK, employers must ensure that their employees are in a healthy and safe environment whilst at work. They must evaluate any risks to the health and safety of employees whilst carrying out their jobs, and this includes the potential risks of working on roofs during hot weather.

Potential Risks

When temperatures reach 25 degrees Celsius and above, employees could become drowsy. This in turn brings about several risks. People may become less aware of their environment, so the risk of tripping over, slipping etc. increases. People are more likely to make mistakes which could lead to injuries from using tools. They can also become less aware of danger hazards around them.

During summer, UV levels are higher. Increased UV levels pose a risk of getting sunburn. Sunburn can sometimes cause the skin to blister and peel, which can be painful. Other symptoms include a fever, skin turning red or feeling unusually warm. Long-term symptoms include skin looking older and more wrinkled. On a more serious note, it can increase the risk of skin cancer. To treat sunburn, use cold compresses or place the area of the body in cold water. Cooling moisturisers can also help with the pain.

Heat stroke is also a factor to consider and should be considered a medical emergency. It has the potential to cause cardiac or respiratory arrest. Look out for the following warning signs of heat stroke: nausea, dizziness, rapid pulse, red and hot skin, throbbing headache, unconsciousness and confusion. If heat stroke is suspected, medical assistance should be called for, and the victim should be taken to rest in the shade.

Work rate should also be considered whilst working outside in the heat. Physically demanding work can lead to heat stress because body temperature will rise more quickly. The body might produce more sweat, which leads to becoming dehydrated. Heart rate can also increase. Symptoms include heat rash, being extremely thirsty, fainting, muscle cramps, and heat stroke.

Assessing the risks

Employers should consider these factors on hot days: humidity, workload, clothing, age of employees, temperature, and equipment that may produce extra heat.

Employers can take measures to reduce the risks of the hot weather.  For example, more physically demanding tasks can be rearranged for cooler times of the day. Additional breaks should be allowed for respite from the sun and heat.

Here are some more tips that employers can follow:

• Urge workers to: stay in the shade during breaktimes, wear sunscreen, wear clothing that covers more skin, drink plenty of water
• Provide areas of shade where employees can rest
• Provide drinking water stations
• Provide tips on preventing sunburn and heat stroke during meetings

To conclude, when temperatures rise during the summer months, there are additional risk factors that employers must take into consideration to ensure that workers remain safe and healthy whilst working on roofs outside.