Temperature at work

Middy

My neighbour contacted environmental health about my store's temperatures. She shops there and was concerned about us looking cold and wearing layers - having to wear coats!

I did tell her that we had 2 thermometers the kiosk at the front of the store and the checkouts.

Kiosk was 7c
Checkouts was 10.5c

What can the EH folk do to our store if they find their readings are lower than 16c?

zppp

Middy wrote: »

My neighbour contacted environmental health about my store's temperatures. She shops there and was concerned about us looking cold and wearing layers - having to wear coats!

I did tell her that we had 2 thermometers the kiosk at the front of the store and the checkouts.

Kiosk was 7c
Checkouts was 10.5c

What can the EH folk do to our store if they find their readings are lower than 16c?

Here is some information:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/faqs/temperature.htm

I would suggest that you mention it to your line manager if you are concerned and ask if there can be any adjustments made, for example an extra heater etc.

scooby088

I think that if the manager has seen the thermometers then surely they have enough common sense to bring in a heater or two to make the place comfortable.

dickydonkin

Middy wrote: »

My neighbour contacted environmental health about my store's temperatures. She shops there and was concerned about us looking cold and wearing layers - having to wear coats!

I did tell her that we had 2 thermometers the kiosk at the front of the store and the checkouts.

Kiosk was 7c
Checkouts was 10.5c

What can the EH folk do to our store if they find their readings are lower than 16c?

Some may question as to why a 'neighbour' reported the store to EH based on the staff 'looking cold' whereas none of the staff had bothered to do anything themselves.

Of course, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that a worker can get someone to report similar situations on their behalf (not suggesting that this is the case here I hasten to add).

Temperature in the workplace features on this forum with monotonous regularity and although not trivialising thermal comfort, why do people post on here first before attempting to remedy it with the people who are in a position to resolve it in the first instance - i.e. - the employer?

Only when such a route hits a brick wall should enforcement be considered, but it is a complete waste of time ringing up the HSE or local authority saying it is 'cold'.

You need facts and figures such as temperatures taken over a period of time.

There are many factors to consider and achieving the Welfare Regulations ACOP on workplace temperature can be difficult at times to attain due to the nature of the workplace.

If an employer cannot maintain a reasonable temperature in the place of work, then he can provide other measures such as warm areas for refuge, appropriate clothing etc.

I did tell her that we had 2 thermometers the kiosk at the front of the store and the checkouts.
Kiosk was 7c
Checkouts was 10.5c

No good telling this to your neighbour - she is not going to provide you with a heater!
Talk to the employer - but provide evidence to support the complaint. It is beter to resolve the situation internally rather than force the issue through enforcement.

In relation to the last part of the OP's question, I have already posted this link on another thread with a similar theme, but should give some indication as to what will happen should the complaint to the LA progress to the next stage, although it is likely that your LA may have their own enforcement policy which will probably differ from the HSE.

nomoreboomandbust

There are obviously two ends of the spectrum here http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1333945/Britains-freezing-Christmas-bargain-hunters-sweltering-hot.html