Workers collapse in heat: UK fails to act

Bus drivers in north London, employed by Arriva, have initiated a series of strikes protesting extreme heat conditions in their workplaces. Unite union members report that the buses, often equipped with older cooling systems or faulty air conditioning, can reach temperatures as high as 44C. This has led to instances of heat exhaustion and heatstroke among drivers, who also face challenges with insufficient restroom access on their routes.

Beyond the transport sector, the article highlights widespread impacts of extreme heat on various professions. The Royal College of Nursing has documented instances of nurses collapsing, while recent research indicates that a significant portion of construction workers have experienced heat-related illnesses, with many receiving no mandatory heat safety training. This situation underscores a broader failure across sectors to adequately invest in protective measures against the already present realities of global heating.

Globally, numerous countries are grappling with similar issues. In the US, over 550 workers reportedly die annually from heat exposure. While the UK has some indoor temperature guidance, it lacks a mandatory maximum temperature for any type of labor. A public consultation on improving heat-related safety at work is anticipated, though the government has indicated no plans for a mandatory maximum workplace temperature.