To ask whether you’d do this?

[workinginheat]

The weather will be 32 degrees where we are on Monday. I am due to be working outside all day (well, 10-4pm). There probably won’t be any shade. I’m 26 weeks pregnant. Short of taking bottles of water, I’ll have no real way to cool myself down all day. Is it reasonable to not do this on Monday? I have had a works risk assessment but none specifically relating to heat and being outdoors, working outdoors is not the norm. I don’t want my employer to think I just can’t be bothered, but of course baby and I come first. My team are lovely and I am quite sure they would be understanding.

YABU - I’d do it, no problem

YANBU - definitely wouldn’t do this!

I would go and if I was unbearably hot, would ask to leave.

It depends on what you will be doing I think. Will there really be no shade at all? Will you be on your feet all day? Will you be able to wear suitable clothing and a hat etc? I dont think its unreasonable to ask for adjustments.

I can take a break and sit somewhere e.g bench but yeah probably no shade.

Could you go and then leave if it becomes too hot?

You need to go in and ask your employer to risk assess for heat. Simply not showing up would be pretty poor.

Yes this is an option.

I wouldn’t not show up, I’d ring, explain and then go and work from my normal place of work instead.

I’d go and see how you get on and come home if you start to feel ill

I would definitely try, I think deciding in advance before you have even seen what the conditions are ctually like wouldn't look great.

Just talk to them as early as possible, say that you have some concerns about it, sounds like they'll tell you to stay home. Offer to do something else if you can.

Risk Assessment: Outdoor Activities in Heat
Introduction
Outdoor activities during periods of high heat can pose significant risks to health and safety. This risk assessment aims to identify potential hazards associated with heat exposure, assess the risks, and provide strategies for mitigation to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals participating in outdoor events or activities.

1. Hazard Identification

1.1 Heat-Related Illnesses

• Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache.
• Heat Stroke: A severe condition characterized by high body temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness, and potentially life-threatening symptoms.
• Dehydration: Caused by excessive loss of fluids through sweating, leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, fatigue, and reduced urine output.

1.2 Environmental Hazards

• Sun Exposure: Risks include sunburn, skin cancer, and eye damage.
• High Humidity: Can exacerbate the effects of heat by impairing the body's ability to cool itself through sweating.
• Heat Index: Combines temperature and humidity to give a measure of how hot it feels, impacting risk levels.

1.3 Physical Activity

• Strain from Physical Exertion: Increased risk of heat-related illnesses due to elevated body temperatures and sweat loss.
• Inadequate Rest Breaks: Insufficient breaks can lead to overheating and exhaustion.

1. Control Measures

3.1 Preparation and Planning

• Weather Monitoring: Regularly check weather forecasts and heat advisories.
• Scheduling: Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours (typically 10 AM to 4 PM).

3.2 Hydration and Nutrition

• Water Availability: Ensure access to plenty of water; encourage regular hydration.
• Electrolyte Replacement: Provide drinks that replenish electrolytes to prevent dehydration.

3.3 Clothing and Protection

• Appropriate Attire: Encourage light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and wide-brimmed hats.
• Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
• Shade Provision: Set up shaded areas for rest and cooling down.

3.4 Rest and Breaks

• Scheduled Breaks: Implement regular breaks in a cool or shaded area.
• Rest Areas: Provide cool, shaded areas where individuals can rest and recover.

3.5 Training and Awareness

• Education: Train participants on recognizing symptoms of heat-related illnesses and proper hydration.
• First Aid Training: Ensure that staff or leaders are trained in first aid for heat-related conditions.

3.6 Emergency Procedures

• Heat Stroke Response: Know the symptoms and treatment for heat stroke; seek medical help immediately.
• First Aid Kits: Equip first aid kits with necessary items for treating heat-related conditions.

1. Monitoring and Review

4.1 Ongoing Monitoring

• Health Checks: Regularly check the condition of participants, especially in extreme heat.
• Adjustments: Modify activities or schedules based on real-time weather conditions and participant feedback.

4.2 Post-Event Review

• Incident Reporting: Document any heat-related incidents and review responses.
• Feedback Collection: Gather feedback from participants on heat management and adjust future planning accordingly.

Effective management of heat-related risks involves proactive planning, appropriate hydration and nutrition, suitable clothing and protection, and regular monitoring. By implementing these control measures, the risk of heat-related illnesses and accidents can be significantly reduced, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience for all participants.

@workinginheat hope this helps

Can you take a coolbox? Fill it with frozen blocks, cold water bottles and a couple of damp hand towels or flannels you have frozen overnight. Wear a hat! Take an umbrella and use it as a sunshade.

I would not do this. You’re more prone to heatstroke when pregnant. When I was pregnant I tried to garden for a couple of hours in the summer, and I vomited and was unwell for days. It’s too late to leave after you’ve already become sick. Just give it a miss. I’m surprised their insurance would allow it anyway!

This is what I’m thinking I would just be worried about overheating, plus there is no access to running water just portaloos.