Working during the Scotland heatwave? Here's what you need to know

Extreme temperatures can leave many feeling uncomfortable or unwell, and could pose a health and safety risk at work if the proper precautions aren't in place.
While there's no law in Scotland which sets out a maximum temperature people can work in, workplaces are obligated to provide healthy and safe working conditions.
On Friday, the Scottish Trades Union Congress – Scotland's largest trade union body – encouraged workers to report employers who do not comply with health and safety regulations during the heatwave.
READ MORE: Scotland wants no part in further dangerous nuclear experiments
What are my rights?
Alongside a survey employees can fill out, the STUC relaunched its severe weather guide, which informs workers of their rights at work during periods of extreme weather and encourages people to ensure they have protections in place at their work.
It includes carrying out a risk assessment on climate change – which has resulted in an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events – as well as how to adopt a Fair Work Charter for Severe Weather, an agreement which was developed by the STUC and the Scottish Government.
The STUC said it was "turning up the heat" on employers as it encouraged workers to report any incidents of poor employer practise during the heatwave.
The body has previously issued guidance during other extreme weather events, such as Storm Eowyn in January, when it said workers felt "endangered" by their employers who had asked them to travel to work despite the red weather warning.
Commenting, STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: 'There is simply no excuse for employers to play fast and loose with the health and safety of workers as temperatures look set to rise across the country.
'Every workplace should put in the necessary mitigations to ensure that the wellbeing of their workforce, ranging from preventing unnecessary exposure to the sun to cooling mechanisms inside office spaces.
'We are encouraging all workers to know their rights ahead of this weekend's potential heatwave. They should not be put in harm's way and we would encourage everyone to complete our extreme weather survey so we may turn up the heat on the bosses who disregard the safety of their workers.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The National

13 hours ago

• The National

Working during the Scotland heatwave? Here's what you need to know

Extreme temperatures can leave many feeling uncomfortable or unwell, and could pose a health and safety risk at work if the proper precautions aren't in place. While there's no law in Scotland which sets out a maximum temperature people can work in, workplaces are obligated to provide healthy and safe working conditions. On Friday, the Scottish Trades Union Congress – Scotland's largest trade union body – encouraged workers to report employers who do not comply with health and safety regulations during the heatwave. READ MORE: Scotland wants no part in further dangerous nuclear experiments What are my rights? Alongside a survey employees can fill out, the STUC relaunched its severe weather guide, which informs workers of their rights at work during periods of extreme weather and encourages people to ensure they have protections in place at their work. It includes carrying out a risk assessment on climate change – which has resulted in an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events – as well as how to adopt a Fair Work Charter for Severe Weather, an agreement which was developed by the STUC and the Scottish Government. The STUC said it was "turning up the heat" on employers as it encouraged workers to report any incidents of poor employer practise during the heatwave. The body has previously issued guidance during other extreme weather events, such as Storm Eowyn in January, when it said workers felt "endangered" by their employers who had asked them to travel to work despite the red weather warning. Commenting, STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: 'There is simply no excuse for employers to play fast and loose with the health and safety of workers as temperatures look set to rise across the country. 'Every workplace should put in the necessary mitigations to ensure that the wellbeing of their workforce, ranging from preventing unnecessary exposure to the sun to cooling mechanisms inside office spaces. 'We are encouraging all workers to know their rights ahead of this weekend's potential heatwave. They should not be put in harm's way and we would encourage everyone to complete our extreme weather survey so we may turn up the heat on the bosses who disregard the safety of their workers.

The National

14 hours ago

• The National

People urged to report rogue employers during Scotland heatwave

Scotland is currently experiencing a period of extremely warm weather, with Friday being the hottest day of the year so far as some areas of the country saw highs of 28C. While temperatures are expected to cool slightly on Saturday, Scots can expect to see similar conditions. READ MORE: Scotland's largest private landowner proposes sauna plans for Loch Ness pub On Friday, the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) – Scotland's largest trade union body – relaunched its severe weather guide and survey, which informs workers of their rights at work during extreme weather. It said it was "turning up the heat" on employers as it encouraged workers to report any incidents of poor employer practise during the heatwave. The STUC has previously issued guidance during other extreme weather events, such as Storm Eowyn in January, when it said workers felt "endangered" by their employers who had asked them to travel to work despite the red weather warning. It has also developed a Fair Work Charter for Severe Weather alongside the Scottish Government, which recommends that all workplaces have a Severe Weather Policy in place to prioritise workers' safety. Commenting, STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: 'There is simply no excuse for employers to play fast and loose with the health and safety of workers as temperatures look set to rise across the country. READ MORE: Scottish Government announces £23.5 million for active travel programmes 'Every workplace should put in the necessary mitigations to ensure that the wellbeing of their workforce, ranging from preventing unnecessary exposure to the sun to cooling mechanisms inside office spaces. 'We are encouraging all workers to know their rights ahead of this weekend's potential heatwave. They should not be put in harm's way and we would encourage everyone to complete our extreme weather survey so we may turn up the heat on the bosses who disregard the safety of their workers.

Daily Record

7 days ago

• Daily Record

Yellow thunderstorm warning sweeps across Scotland as trains may be cancelled

The Met Office warning is in place for most of the country until 6pm on Saturday. ScotRail has warned of possible disruption to services as a yellow weather warning sweeps across Scotland. The Met Office issued the warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms, affecting most of the country from midnight until 6pm on Saturday, June 14. ‌ As storms struck across the UK, with over 30,000 lightning strikes reported overnight, it said on Saturday morning that 'areas of heavy and thundery rain continue to push northwards across the country' as warnings remained in place for parts of England and Northern Ireland. ‌ Although some areas will avoid the heaviest rain, 15-30mm of rain is likely in some places, with the possibility of 30-50mm falling in a few hours' time. Strong winds and hail may also accompany thunderstorms. There is a small chance of "danger to life" due to fast flowing or deep flood water. The Met Office also advised for people to check road conditions and timetables, and prepare to change their travel plans if necessary, as train and bus services may be delayed or cancelled. ScotRail shared a post on social media for anybody intending to travel by train today. Although they intend to run a full service, they advised planning ahead in case of disruption. Writing on X, they said: "Travelling today? The Met Office has issued a YELLOW weather warning for heavy rain for much of Scotland until 6pm. ‌ "We're planning to operate a full service, but please plan ahead and check your journey on our app or website before heading out as some disruption is possible." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The devastating Storm Eowyn in January saw services cancelled or disrupted for several days after a rare red warning, with over 400 incidents of damage caused to Scotland's railways, including fires and fallen trees or debris on the tracks. ‌ Much of eastern and central Scotland is covered by the latest warning, with parts of the Highlands and west of the country also affected. The south of England saw the worst of the weather on Friday, with an amber warning in place and some homes left under water or without power. The storms come as the Royal Family prepares for Trooping the Colour in London, with the King and the Princess of Wales due to attend. The annual event includes a flypast over Buckingham Palace, which could be affected if the weather does not improve.