It’s important that both employers and employees are aware of the laws and health and safety guidelines for working under adverse conditions. Click Offices has compiled a list of cold-weather myths that workers should be aware of. Check out:
True
Legislation requires employers to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), based on specific working conditions. It’s important for businesses to provide employees with the right cold weather gear so they can do their jobs efficiently and keep business operations running smoothly. This may include coats and hats for staff who work outside in cold weather. It could also include boots, protective eyewear, and protective footwear. The employer is responsible for ensuring that the clothing provided at the workplace fits correctly and that the employee has been trained on how to use any PPE.
My job can force me to pay for a weather-protective outfit – False
It is illegal for an employer to make you pay for weather-protective clothing if that uniform is considered PPE (Personal Protective Gear) for your position. UK law requires employers to provide free PPE to employees who are exposed to safety or health risks at work. If it’s deemed necessary, employers must provide employees with cold weather protection if they are exposed to health or safety risks at work. You may want to discuss this with your employer, or seek advice from an authority or union if you are being asked for payment.
You’ll still get paid if the weather is bad – FALSE
There is no legal obligation in the UK for employers to pay employees if they are unable to get to work because of bad weather. Employers may pay employees at their discretion as a goodwill gesture. Check your contract of employment or company policy as some employers have special arrangements for these situations. Employers and employees can have discussions about discretionary pay, holiday entitlements and working from home when possible to mitigate financial losses.
If my job requires me to drive in bad conditions, then this is true (to a certain extent).
You may need to drive in poor weather if it is part of your job. Your employer is responsible for your safety, so there’s a point at which certain weather conditions become unsafe to drive. Driving in dangerous conditions is not recommended, regardless of whether you have to make it to work or not. The workplace should carry out a risk analysis and take reasonable steps to reduce any risks that may be associated with adverse weather. It could be as simple as providing PPE or allowing flexible hours of work, and even the option to do so if it is possible. If you feel unsafe while driving in bad conditions, it’s vital to tell your employer. Your employer should be able to take your concerns and work with you in order to find a solution.
It is illegal to work when the temperature is below a certain level – FALSE
There is no specific temperature in the UK that is considered to be too cold for working. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations state that indoor workplaces must be kept at a minimum temperature of 16degC (or even 13degC for employees who are performing physical work). The employer has a duty to ensure the working conditions are safe and reasonable, but the temperature depends on the location and the job.
If my child’s school closes due to bad weather, I can request flexible work arrangements.
You can request flexible work arrangements in the UK if your child’s school closes due to bad weather. Employees with children aged under 17 or under 18 (or younger if disabled) may request flexible work to take care of their child1. It also includes cases where a school closes due to bad weather. The employer and the employee should work together to find a solution if the employee has to make childcare arrangements on short notice. It may be necessary to adjust working hours, change days of work, or allow leave to be taken to meet parental obligations.
It is discriminatory to ignore women’s or men’s requests for different temperatures.
In the UK, it is possible to be discriminated against if you ignore women’s or men’s requests for different temperatures. The employers have a responsibility to ensure that all employees are comfortable and safe by providing a temperature which is reasonable. It is important to consider individual preferences and needs, which can vary by gender. Indirect discrimination claims under the Equality Act 2010 could be made if these differences are not addressed. The higher proportion of mass in men means that they are more susceptible to cold than women. Women are more comfortable with a temperature of 24-25oC than men. Men prefer a range of 21,5-22.5oC. A 2015 study revealed that women feel better at temperatures that are 2.5oC higher. If you add in DEI protection factors like menopause or pregnancy, it is possible to make a case for discrimination when women are forced to work at lower temperatures. You should let your employer know if you suffer from a medical condition that is worsened by cold temperatures. They can then make adjustments to ensure your safety.
From Snow Day Sick Pay to Commuting in Bad Weather – Which of these cold weather myths is true? originally appeared on HR News.
