Weekly Blog – Extreme weather is here to stay

Weekly Blog – Extreme weather is here to stay

Extreme weather is no longer something employers can treat as an occasional problem. Hotter summers, sudden downpours, strong winds and freezing conditions are affecting how our members work.

This week, Barnet UNISON has been working with members who spend much of their working day outside. The message from them is simple: employers need to plan properly before the weather becomes dangerous.

Working outside in extreme heat

During the recent extreme temperatures, we raised the impact on members working outdoors. We negotiated changes to working patterns to reduce the time staff were exposed to the worst of the heat.

That was important, but it cannot be the end of the matter.

We have now started a survey with the members affected. We want to understand what worked, what did not work and what needs to change before the next period of extreme weather.

Employers should not wait until temperatures are already at dangerous levels before deciding what to do. There should be clear plans covering working hours, rest breaks, access to drinking water, shade, suitable clothing, sunscreen and the physical demands being placed on staff.

Managers also need to recognise that workers are not all affected in the same way. Age, health conditions, medication, pregnancy and the type of work being carried out can all make a difference.

Telling staff to “take care” is not a plan.

What happened in your workplace?

I also want to hear from members across the whole branch.

What was it like in your workplace during the hot weather? Did your building stay cool enough to work in? Were windows sealed shut? Did the air conditioning work? Were fans provided? Were you able to take extra breaks or move to a cooler area?

For members working in schools, care settings, kitchens, depots, offices, vehicles and people’s homes, the problems will be different. Some workplaces may have handled the situation well. Others may have carried on as if nothing unusual was happening.

We need to know both.

Please email contactus@barnetunison.org.uk and tell us what happened. Let us know what your employer or manager did, what worked and what improvements you think should be put in place.

You do not need to write a long statement. A few sentences explaining what happened will help us build a proper picture across Barnet.

Planning for the next emergency

Extreme weather is here to stay. That includes heat, cold, flooding, snow and storms.

Barnet UNISON will continue pressing employers to consult staff and trade unions before the next emergency arrives. Workplace arrangements should be agreed in advance, communicated properly and applied consistently.

Members should not have to argue for basic protections while they are already working in unsafe or unbearable conditions.

We have made progress with the members working outside, and that happened because they spoke up and worked together. Now we need to hear from the rest of the branch.

Please contact us. Your experience can help us secure better arrangements for everyone.

best wishes

John Burgess
Branch Secretary
Barnet UNISON