Heat brings safety and productivity into focus
As the sweltering summer continues to push the mercury to well above average temperatures, just how hot is too hot for workers?
Employment lawyer Susan Hornsby-Geluk said that although there was no specific law or regulation that determined if it was too hot to work, it was the employer’s obligation to provide a safe and healthy working environment.
But there was a grey area between employees feeling uncomfortable because of the heat, and not being able to work, she said.
Employees can take sick leave if the scorching heat leaves them feeling dizzy, fatigued or unwell.
Enforcing a law that allowed employees to stop working due to the temperature was complicated as it depended on multiple variables such as workplaces, industries and individuals’ thresholds, Hornsby-Geluk said.
‘‘It’s too difficult to prescribe a blanket approach on the temperature,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s expected that employers have a reasonable attitude towards letting people leave early if it’s too hot.’’
E Tu¯ union spokeswoman Jill Ovens said employee fatigue could lead to lost productivity.
‘‘Tired employees will obviously cause delays in service. Employers need to make sure their employees are being taken care of. Things like taking breaks, providing cooling packs if the work is outside, good air conditioning are all part of providing a safe workplace,’’ she said.
But Employers and Manufacturers Association chief executive Kim Campbell said most work outdoors was mechanised, and the temperature was not extreme enough to make a dent in New Zealand’s overall productivity.
‘‘It’s a discomfort thing, not stifling productivity. Protocols are in place for outdoor workers like breaks, sunscreen for outdoors,’’ he said.
Federated Farmers Employment spokesman Chris Lewis said that although farmers were generally accustomed to working in extreme weather conditions, they needed to ensure they did not put their health and safety at risk.
As many farmers worked in isolation, they were encouraged to take personal responsibility in using sun protection and staying hydrated.
‘‘We get a couple of weeks of hot weather each year. This isn’t Australia. It’s common sense, remember to slip, slop, slap and keep some cool water handy,’’ Lewis said.