With much of the UK sweltering under an early summer heatwave, warehouse and logistics teams are facing serious challenges.
Unlike office workers who can retreat to air-conditioned environments, manual handling teams on warehouse floors often work in large, poorly ventilated spaces with limited cooling options. For warehouse managers, keeping staff safe, cool and productive in the heat is a legal and ethical responsibility.
Legal Liabilities
The Met Office has already issued heat warnings for several regions this June, and legal experts are sounding the alarm. Samantha Dickinson, a partner at legal firm Mayo Wynne Baxter, explains, “While there is no maximum legal working temperature, employers have a duty of care to ensure staff are not at risk of falling ill due to heat.”
She warns that failing to protect vulnerable workers could expose businesses to serious legal consequences.
“Apart from the fact that employees will be far from their most productive if they are uncomfortably hot, if a staff member were to become unwell because of the heat – especially those who are more susceptible due to health conditions – employers could find themselves facing a personal injury dispute.”
So how can UK warehouses adapt to the rising mercury?
Hydration should be top priority. Ensuring that cool water is easily accessible and that staff are regularly reminded to take water breaks goes a long way towards reducing the risk of heat exhaustion. Cooling gear, such as breathable uniforms, cooling vests or portable fans, can also help keep workers comfortable.
Some businesses are already adjusting shift patterns, encouraging early starts and finishes to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Relaxing restrictive dress codes and offering shaded or cool rest areas are also worthwhile steps that show staff their wellbeing is being taken seriously.
It may also be worth revising the layout of warehouses to optimise ventilation where possible, as well as the smooth movement of goods.
Beyond these basic measures, the right equipment can make a big difference. Manual handling in hot conditions adds extra physical strain. Ergonomic tools, like our robust and easy-to-use electric pallet trucks can reduce fatigue and minimise effort during lifting and moving tasks. They are designed for smooth, low-friction operation, even when loads are heavy and conditions are tough.
“While the UK may not be known for tropical temperatures, climate change is making extreme weather events more common,” says our Managing Director, Phil. “Forward-thinking warehouse managers should prepare for future heatwaves by investing in both staff welfare and smart manual handling solutions.”
Now is the time to review equipment and processes to ensure your team can stay safe and productive, whatever the weather brings.