On the move...and the heat is on

We’re embarking on an internal office move and true to form, being a health and safety consultancy, the necessary work has been undertaken beforehand to ensure that the internal move around is completed safely.

So, the budget has been agreed, we’ve nominated a ‘move champion’, the office fit-out company has been appointed (subject to rigorous checks on their method statements of course) but who could have accounted for the weather!

Fact: It’s day two of the move and its already hotting up in here.
Fact: Not having the luxury of a climate-controlled environment means the annual argument has begun as to whether the windows are opened or the air conditioning switched on.
Fact: If one person is hot, you can bet the person at the next desk is cold!
Fact: There is no upper temperature limit. Regulation 7 of the Workplace (HSW) Regs quotes ‘During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable’ but remember application of the regulation depends on the nature of the workplace.
Fact: There are some reasonable low cost remedies
· Either keep the windows open or have the aircon operating, but not both!
· Provide fans to circulate the air
· Ensure there are supplies of cold drinks available
· Keep copiers, fax machines etc on standby or switched off if possible to reduce heat build up
· Ice lollies help too!
· Close the window blinds if they are installed
· Or if you have good natural daylight then turn off the lights
· Relax the dress code if appropriate but, gents, sandals and socks are never going to catch on

So, if you can’t stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen, sorry workplace and join us on a health and safety course (we can promise a cool environment). Give me, Linda Williams, a call on 01296 415715 or visit www.sypol.com/academy for course information.