In response to a series of testimonies published by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in regard to the working conditions nursing staff are experiencing during the recent hot weather across the UK, Ruth Wilkinson, head of policy and public affairs at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, has outlined proactive steps that employers can take to support their staff better.
She said: “Indoor workers, like nurses, can find it just as challenging to work in extreme heat as outdoor workers. This can be due to poor ventilation, lack of cooling infrastructure, and outdated building designs that leave them to cope in stifling conditions.
“Heat stress can make it harder for people to work safely and effectively. When it’s too hot, the body has to work harder to stay cool, which can lead to health problems like dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. Employers can take proactive steps to manage these risks and support workers. These can include adjusting work hours, providing cooling stations, and encouraging hydration. It is also recommended that employers analyse the impact of heat stress on operational continuity and supply chain management.”
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