The heatwave workers 'like cats on a hot tin roof'
Summary
Workers in parts of the West of England are struggling with very high temperatures above 33°C (91°F) while working outside. Different groups, including solar panel installers, scaffolders, and bus drivers, are using early start times, extra breaks, and other measures to cope with the heat, but there are no laws forcing employers to stop work in high temperatures.Key Facts
- Temperatures passed 33°C in parts of the West of England, making outdoor work harder.
- Solar panel installers start work at 6:00 AM and finish by noon to avoid the hottest afternoon sun.
- Scaffolders handle metal tubes that become very hot in the sun and use suncream and water to stay safe.
- Bus drivers in older buses without air conditioning face cabin temperatures above 40°C (104°F).
- The bus company is replacing old buses with new air-conditioned electric models.
- There is no legal requirement for companies to stop work when heat records are broken.
- Some firms have protocols for heat over 30°C, like extra water breaks and cooling boxes.
- The heatwave is causing some delays and extra costs for businesses trying to protect their workers.
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