With the warmer weather arriving, Napo is reminding members and reps to take care when working in hot conditions, whether in probation offices or out in the community supervising Unpaid Work.
In Probation Offices
Many of our offices can become extremely warm during hot weather, particularly where ventilation or air conditioning is limited. A few simple steps can make a big difference:
- Keep drinking water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Take regular breaks away from particularly hot work areas where possible.
- Use blinds, windows, fans, and any available ventilation to help keep temperatures down
- If the heat is affecting your wellbeing, speak to your manager and make use of workplace adjustments where appropriate.
- Keep an eye on colleagues who may be more affected by heat, including those who are pregnant, disabled, have health conditions, or take medication that can affect temperature regulation.
- Wear loose fitting clothes where possible
- Be mindful of colleagues who may be more vulnerable to heat, including those who are pregnant, have underlying health conditions, or have disabilities that may affect temperature regulation.
Managers:
Are you able to consider:
- Flexible working conditions where appropriate
- Adjust workloads and meeting schedules during the hottest part of the day
- Ensure adequate drinking water is available
- Review workplace risk assessments where temperatures become excessive.
For Unpaid Work Supervisors
Our UPW colleagues often face the greatest challenges during hot weather, spending long periods outdoors whilst also being responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the people they supervise. Please remember:
- Carry and drink plenty of water.
- Take regular rest breaks, particularly during the hottest part of the day.
- Use shade wherever available.
- Wear suitable clothing, hats and sunscreen.
- Consider whether tasks can be adapted to reduce strenuous activity during periods of extreme heat.
- Keep a close eye on both yourself and service users for signs of heat-related illness.
- Increase rest breaks
- Discuss with manager whether work should be modified, relocated, or postponed where temperatures create an unacceptable risk
Know the Signs of Heat Stress
Heat exhaustion can include:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Excessive sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness or confusion
If someone becomes unwell, move them to a cooler area, encourage them to drink water, and seek medical assistance if symptoms do not improve.
For Napo Reps
If you have concerns about excessive temperatures, lack of drinking water, inadequate ventilation, or unsafe working conditions, raise them through local health and safety arrangements and encourage members to report concerns to their managers. Remember, there is no maximum workplace temperature in law, but employers have a legal duty to ensure working conditions are safe and to assess and manage risks arising from excessive heat. Most importantly, look after yourselves and each other. No piece of work is more important than someone’s health and wellbeing.
There is no general dress code for Probation Service staff. Napo are aware of several sets of guidance having been issued in a number of Regions in recent days, despite a number of these already having been challenged by Napo previously (earlier this year and in previous years). Our understanding is that none of these documents specifically relate to Probation Service employees and have not been subject to proper consultation between HMPPS and the recognised Probation trade unions. We have, once again, raised this issue urgently with the employer and asked them to urgently address this chaotic situation. We ask that Napo Branches continue to share further ‘guidance’ with your Link Officer/Official so this can be used in the work taking place with HMPPS centrally to come to a common-sense solution that is not potentially discriminatory, meets all our member’s needs, and respects their professionalism.
Stay safe, stay hydrated, and don’t suffer in silence if the heat is affecting you
One Response
In upw ,It would be great if supervisors could be issued knee length shorts and given a boonie hat especially in extreme hot weather conditions ,post office workers delivering letters can wear them ,,