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12:24 PM 15th June 2022
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Five-Day Heatwave: Staying Safe In The Heat

 
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Met Office predicts a five-day ‘scorcher’ across the UK, as air from North Africa is set to bring temperatures reaching 32 degrees Celsius. The heatwave will begin on Wednesday 15th June and continue until Father’s Day on Sunday 19th June.

Jonathan White, Legal and Compliance Director at National Accident Helpline, said:
“As the UK eagerly awaits a five-day heatwave, there will be many people wanting to take advantage of the weather and, as a result, the volume of traffic on roads will be high.

“If you’re driving in busy traffic, ensure you give other drivers plenty of room to reduce any chances of a collision. Additionally, Highway Code rules now state you must give way to pedestrians crossing at junctions and give priority to cyclists when turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane. Failure to do so could result in a fine or even worse, an accident.

“To ensure everyone has a safe journey, and reduce the risk of an accident happening, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the Highway Code rules. They provide important guidance when determining who is at fault for an accident.

“It may also be tempting to wear flip flops whilst driving in the hot weather, but they can increase braking time and potentially increase the chances of an accident. Be sure to drive in sensible and comfortable footwear to avoid causing harm to yourself, other passengers, and road users.

“Although lots of us will be looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the hot weather, many people will still be working throughout the heatwave and employers need to consider the health and wellbeing of their staff, particularly outdoor workers.

“Staff working outside in high temperatures are at risk of sunstroke, sunburn, and even skin cancer. There is also the chance of dehydration, tiredness, rashes, and fainting. To avoid this, employers should review working times so that outdoor work takes place in cooler times of the day, such as the morning and late afternoon. They should also allow staff to take regular breaks and provide shaded areas, drinking water, and suncream to protect staff.

“What’s more, if employees are required to drive in the heat, they should be provided with cars, vans, or lorries with air conditioning to keep them cool if they’re going to be sat in traffic.

“All employers have a clear, legal responsibility to make sure workers are safe. This is called a duty of care and, if an employer has failed in theirs, employees are likely to be entitled to seek work injury compensation. “

For more information about National Accident Helpline, or to find out how you can make a claim, please visit: https://www.national-accident-helpline.co.uk/injury-and-accident-claims/accidents-at-work