High temperatures are placing extra pressure on many workplaces, and employers should respond effectively and prepare in advance. This is according to occupational health services ArboNed and HumanCapitalCare. They say even small adjustments can help, such as scheduling tasks during cooler parts of the day, temporarily reducing workloads, and allowing extra breaks.
The organisations warn that heat has direct effects on workers. Employees may tire more quickly, struggle to concentrate, and recover less well during the working day. “That increases the risk of errors and unsafe situations. Especially in roles where safety, alertness and physical effort are important, this is a risk that should not be underestimated,” says occupational physician and director of medical affairs at ArboNed, Redmer van Wijngaarden.
He stresses the need for proper preparation. “High temperatures are something you, as an employer, must take into account structurally. They return every year.” Employers should therefore decide in advance which measures apply during heatwaves. “If you only start thinking about that when it is 35 degrees, you are often too late.”
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Basic facilities also remain essential, such as access to drinking water, shaded areas and opportunities to cool down. “With relatively simple measures, employers can limit many risks and inconveniences. By setting these arrangements in advance, employees and managers better understand what is expected when temperatures rise,” says Van Wijngaarden.
The occupational health services also report that sickness absence fell in May compared to April, but remains high overall. In particular, stress-related absence continues to pose a major challenge for employers.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
