Latest news with #workingconditions
The Sun
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
Can I refuse to work outdoors in hot weather? Rules and rights explained
WITH temperatures rising across the UK, many outdoor workers are questioning their rights when the sun beats down. So, can you legally refuse to work in the heat? The answer isn't as clear-cut as you might hope, but the rules are there to protect you. 2 This issue applies across the UK, where the law does not set a maximum working temperature. That includes outdoor environments, where hot conditions can make even routine tasks feel unbearable — and at times, unsafe. While you can't simply walk off the job when the sun is out, employers are expected to take reasonable steps to protect your health. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 makes it the employer's legal duty to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees while they're at work. It doesn't lay down an exact temperature limit for when it becomes too hot to work outdoors, but that doesn't mean there are no protections. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 also require employers to provide a working environment that is 'reasonable' and safe. This idea of 'reasonable' is open to interpretation. But guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) offers some benchmarks. For example, they suggest that indoor workplaces should be at least 16°C, or 13°C if the job involves heavy physical work. Unfortunately, there's no legal upper limit — even when it comes to working outside under direct sun. Cheap hacks to stay cool this summer John Kushnick, legal operations director at National Accident Helpline, explained: 'Temperatures in the workplace are covered by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which place a legal obligation on employers to provide a 'reasonable' temperature in the workplace. "Unfortunately, there are no laws which specifically state that workers can stop working if the temperature gets too hot or cold.' However, just because there's no specific temperature cut-off doesn't mean you're without support. Employers are still expected to carry out risk assessments when working conditions could pose a hazard. This becomes especially important during a heatwave. If a significant number of staff complain about the temperature, employers must take action. The HSE advises that employers should look out for symptoms of heat stress in their staff, which can include fatigue, fainting, heat rash, and in more serious cases, heat stroke. Working in the heat can also affect your ability to concentrate and complete physical tasks safely. During hot spells, employers are encouraged to make adjustments. That might mean changing working hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day, making sure staff have access to water and shaded areas, or even relaxing dress codes to help workers stay cool. In cases where someone is particularly vulnerable, such as pregnant employees or those with health conditions, alternative arrangements — like working indoors — should be considered. If an employer fails to act and the working environment becomes dangerously hot, workers may have some legal backing to refuse unsafe work. Under Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, employees can withdraw from a work situation if they believe there is serious and imminent danger. But this should not be done lightly. It's important to report your concerns first and allow your employer the chance to make changes. In colder conditions, the same principles apply. The risks might be different — frostbite, hypothermia, or slips on icy surfaces — but the responsibility remains the same. Employers must ensure safe working environments in all weather. That could mean providing warm clothing, hot drinks, or delaying work when conditions are extreme. Thermal comfort is not just about the temperature on a thermometer. It includes factors like humidity, wind, clothing, and how physically demanding the work is. That's why employers should carry out regular risk assessments and adjust conditions where necessary to avoid putting staff at risk. 2
The Independent
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Amid fears of overcrowding, the Louvre shuts its doors
The Louvre Museum in Paris was unable to open on time on Monday due to a staff protest over working conditions, leaving thousands of visitors waiting outside. Union representative Sarah Sefian of the CGT-Culture stated the disruption was due to a spontaneous movement among front-of-house staff protesting deteriorating labour conditions, including overcrowding and understaffing. The protest began as a scheduled monthly information session that turned into a mass expression of exasperation, with staff deciding to stay together until management arrived for talks. As of midday, the museum remained closed, with lines of ticket-holders snaking past the glass pyramid. Louvre President Laurence des Cars earlier warned about overcrowding and insufficient facilities at the museum and has imposed a limit of 30,000 visitors per day.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Union protest forces the Louvre in Paris to delay opening as visitors wait in long line-ups
PARIS (AP) — The Louvre Museum failed to open on time Monday, leaving thousands of visitors stuck in long, unmoving lines outside the iconic Paris institution as staff held a protest over working conditions. According to union representative Sarah Sefian of the CGT-Culture, the disruption was caused by a spontaneous movement among front-of-house staff, including gallery attendants, reception, and security workers, who are protesting deteriorating labor conditions. 'It's a movement led by reception agents who are suffering from the working conditions at the Louvre,' Sefian told The Associated Press. 'What began as a scheduled monthly information session turned into a mass expression of exasperation,' she said. 'Staff decided to stay together until management arrived.' Sefian said the agents gathered in the auditorium at 10:30 a.m. for talks with the museum's leadership. 'All roles related to visitor reception are affected,' she said. 'Overcrowding and understaffing are the main issues being raised.' As of midday, the museum remained closed, with lines snaking past I.M. Pei's famous glass pyramid and deep into the underground shopping complex. Some ticket-holders gave up and left, creating the illusion of movement in the queues. A message on the museum's official website stated: 'Due to strikes in France, the museum may open later and some exhibition rooms may remain closed. We thank you for your understanding.' Union officials say the museum may reopen Monday afternoon.
The Independent
5 days ago
- The Independent
Iconic tourist destination closes unexpectedly, with thousands left waiting outside
The Louvre Museum in Paris was unable to open its doors on time on Monday, leaving thousands of visitors waiting outside as staff protested working conditions. Union representative Sarah Sefian of the CGT-Culture said the disruption was due to a spontaneous movement among front-of-house staff, including gallery attendants, reception, and security workers. They are protesting what they say are deteriorating labour conditions. "It's a movement led by reception agents who are suffering from the working conditions at the Louvre," Ms Sefian said. She added that "what began as a scheduled monthly information session turned into a mass expression of exasperation", and that "staff decided to stay together until management arrived". Ms Sefian said the agents gathered in the auditorium at 10.30am for talks with the museum's leadership. 'All roles related to visitor reception are affected," she said. "Overcrowding and understaffing are the main issues being raised." As of midday, the museum remained closed, with lines snaking past I.M. Pei's famous glass pyramid and deep into the underground shopping complex. Some ticket-holders gave up and left, creating the illusion of movement in the queues. A message on the museum's official website stated: "Due to strikes in France, the museum may open later and some exhibition rooms may remain closed. We thank you for your understanding." Union officials said the museum may reopen on Monday afternoon. The Louvre is one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations and the most-visited museum in the world. It welcomed 8.7 million people in 2024. More than three quarters (77 per cent) were from outside France. In January, Louvre President Laurence des Cars . A visit to the museum had become an ordeal, he said, with a lack of space for visitors to take a break, and insufficient food and sanitary facilities. He has imposed a limit of 30,000 visitors per day in order to avoid overcrowding.
Asharq Al-Awsat
5 days ago
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Lines Stretch Outside the Louvre in Paris as Opening Delayed for Undisclosed Emergency Meeting
The Louvre Museum failed to open on time Monday, leaving thousands of visitors stuck in long, unmoving lines outside the iconic Paris institution as staff held a protest over working conditions. According to union representative Sarah Sefian of the CGT-Culture, the disruption was caused by a spontaneous movement among front-of-house staff, including gallery attendants, reception, and security workers, who are protesting deteriorating labor conditions. 'It's a movement led by reception agents who are suffering from the working conditions at the Louvre,' Sefian told The Associated Press. 'What began as a scheduled monthly information session turned into a mass expression of exasperation,' she said. 'Staff decided to stay together until management arrived.' Sefian said the agents gathered in the auditorium at 10:30 a.m. for talks with the museum's leadership. 'All roles related to visitor reception are affected,' she said. 'Overcrowding and understaffing are the main issues being raised.' As of midday, the museum remained closed, with lines snaking past I.M. Pei's famous glass pyramid and deep into the underground shopping complex. Some ticket-holders gave up and left, creating the illusion of movement in the queues. A message on the museum's official website stated: 'Due to strikes in France, the museum may open later and some exhibition rooms may remain closed. We thank you for your understanding.'
