New urgent public health alert issued to UK workers wearing 1 thing
The government department has stressed the importance of Brits staying safe in their workplace.
The UK Health Security Agency and Health and Safety Executive have issued a new “urgent public health message” amid the rising temperatures currently taking over across the country. The guidance applies to UK workers wearing one type of equipment in particular. With the Met Office issuing red and amber heat warnings, the government department has stressed the importance of Brits staying safe in their workplace.
The department have warned that wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in warm or hot environments increases the risk of heat stress. This was delivered as an “urgent public health message to healthcare providers and professionals regarding the risk of heat stress when using PPE”.
Personal protective equipment includes items gloves, gowns and surgical masks.
The warning noted that this heat stress occurs as the body loses the ability to cool itself enough to remain at a healthy temperature. Heat stress can lead to heat exhaustion and then heat stroke, which is significantly more severe.
The department said: “Ensure that PPE supplies are sufficient to cover a likely increase in demand for certain PPE items during hot weather due to staff changing equipment more frequently.”
They encouraged employers and managers to consider whether more staff may be needed per shift to maintain service levels amid more frequent staff breaks. They reminded employers to also consider whether some staff may be more vulnerable than other during the heatwave.
The department urged that, ultimately, measures are put in place to control workplace temperatures, particularly in clinical and care environments, with 50.2% of trusts reported having at least one incident of overheating during the summer of 2022.
They said: “Staff should also be supported to adapt their behaviour to stay cool and well hydrated.
“Staff may require more frequent breaks and the frequency of PPE changes are likely to increase, with a resulting increase in demand.”
It was advised that employers remove or reduce sources of heat and improve ventilation where possible.
For staff, the UK Health Security Agency encouraged them to take regular breaks, stay hydrated and be aware of signs and symptoms of heat stress or dehydration.
These may include thirst, dry mouth, ark or strong-smelling urine, urinating infrequently or in small amounts, inability to concentrate, muscle cramps or fainting. However, they urged staff members not to wait until their body reaches extreme symptoms before resting, encouraging them to take a break before they feel unwell.
