A UNION is warning employers to protect staff from soaring temperatures by calling for air-conditioning to be standard in company vehicles.

There is currently no legal maximum workplace temperature but the recent heatwave has prompted the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to call for the introduction of a 30 degrees celsius limit. If thermometers hit this employers, including fleets, would have to take measures to cool things down.

Hugh Robertson, head of health and safety at the TUC, said: ‘Everyone driving commercially should have air-conditioning in their vehicle.

‘It is a serious problem for drivers, especially when the vehicle is stationary as temperatures can reach 40 degrees celsius and cause heat stress, confusion and tiredness.

‘If air-conditioning is not possible, look at driver’s working hours and advise them not to drive in the heat. Drivers should also be given water to keep in the vehicle.’

  • Visit the TUC’s ‘Cool Work Campaign’ at www.tuc.org.uk.

    However, a spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said he didn’t believe such regulations would be enforceable.