What UK employers need to know to protect their people during periods of extreme heat and increased fire risk.
Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes
Recent Headlines Highlight a Growing Workplace Risk
Recent wildfires across parts of Europe and periods of exceptionally hot weather have once again highlighted the increasing impact of extreme weather on businesses.
While many people associate wildfires with overseas events, the UK has also experienced prolonged periods of hot, dry weather that have increased the risk of grass fires, heathland fires and rapidly spreading outdoor fires.
For employers, these events serve as an important reminder that workplace health and safety arrangements should adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Whether you operate a construction site, manage outdoor workers, maintain public spaces or simply have combustible materials stored outside your premises, extreme weather can introduce new hazards that should be considered within your risk assessments.
Why This Matters to UK Businesses
Extreme heat and prolonged dry conditions can significantly increase workplace risks.
These include:
- Increased risk of outdoor fires.
- Heat stress and dehydration.
- Reduced concentration leading to accidents.
- Increased fatigue.
- Fire spread from surrounding land.
- Dust and smoke affecting air quality.
- Damage to equipment and infrastructure.
- Disruption to transport and deliveries.
As weather patterns continue to change, employers should consider whether their health and safety arrangements remain suitable during periods of extreme heat.
Which Businesses Could Be Affected?
Although construction is one of the highest-risk sectors, many other organisations should also consider these hazards.
This includes:
- Construction companies
- Grounds maintenance contractors
- Landscaping businesses
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Utilities
- Highways maintenance
- Outdoor event organisers
- Warehousing and distribution
- Manufacturing
- Schools with extensive grounds
- Care homes
- Local authorities
Even businesses without outdoor workers may need to review emergency arrangements if their premises are located near grassland, woodland or open countryside.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers have a legal duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees and anyone who may be affected by their work activities.
This includes ensuring that suitable and sufficient risk assessments remain appropriate when workplace conditions change.
Periods of extreme heat, prolonged dry weather or increased fire risk may require employers to review existing arrangements, including:
- Fire risk assessments.
- Emergency procedures.
- Outdoor working arrangements.
- Welfare facilities.
- Working hours.
- Storage of combustible materials.
- Hot work controls.
Risk assessments should be reviewed whenever there is reason to believe they are no longer valid or where significant changes introduce new hazards.
Practical Steps Employers Can Take
Preparing for periods of extreme heat doesn’t need to be complicated.
Simple measures can make a significant difference.
Review Fire Risk Assessments
Consider whether existing control measures remain suitable during hot, dry weather.
Improve Housekeeping
Remove combustible waste regularly and keep storage areas tidy.
Control Hot Works
Review permit systems and avoid unnecessary hot work during periods of increased fire risk where reasonably practicable.
Protect Outdoor Workers
Provide:
- Drinking water.
- Regular rest breaks.
- Shaded rest areas where possible.
- Suitable PPE.
- Sunscreen where appropriate.
Review Working Hours
Where practical, schedule physically demanding work during the cooler parts of the day.
Monitor Weather Conditions
Regularly monitor Met Office weather warnings and local Fire & Rescue Service advice.
Train Employees
Ensure employees understand:
- Heat-related illness.
- Fire prevention measures.
- Emergency procedures.
- How to report hazards promptly.
Recognising Heat Stress
Heat-related illness can develop quickly and should never be ignored.
Employees should be aware of warning signs such as:
- Excessive sweating.
- Dizziness.
- Headaches.
- Muscle cramps.
- Confusion.
- Nausea.
- Fatigue.
Early intervention can prevent more serious conditions such as heat stroke, which is a medical emergency.
Five Questions Every Employer Should Ask
Before temperatures rise, ask yourself:
☐ Have we reviewed our fire risk assessment?
☐ Are combustible materials being managed effectively?
☐ Do employees know what to do if a fire starts?
☐ Have we considered heat stress within our risk assessments?
☐ Are emergency arrangements still suitable?
If the answer to any of these questions is No, now is a good time to review your arrangements.
Key Takeaways
Extreme weather is becoming an increasingly important health and safety consideration for UK businesses.
By reviewing risk assessments, improving fire prevention measures and protecting employees from heat-related illness, organisations can continue operating safely while reducing the likelihood of incidents.
Health and safety should evolve alongside changing environmental conditions, ensuring businesses remain resilient and prepared for emerging risks.
How Craven Consultancy Services Can Help
At Craven Consultancy Services, we help organisations identify emerging workplace risks and implement practical, proportionate health and safety solutions.
Whether you need assistance reviewing your fire risk assessments, supporting outdoor workers or preparing your business for extreme weather, our experienced consultants are here to help.
Contact our team today to discuss how we can support your organisation.
Further Reading For further guidance, visit:
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- GOV.UK
- Met Office
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
- National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)
