Managing in a heatwave

🌡️ Hot Weather Tips for Manufacturing Managers

As we hit the 1st July we are going through quite the heatwave across UK/Europe! Temperatures rise, and therefore so do the risks in production settings. Managing heat effectively protects your people, maintains productivity, and reduces costly incidents. Here are some key tips to help your teams stay safe and productive in the heat:

1. Prioritise Hydration

• Provide ample water stations—easy access is key, not just a water cooler in the breakroom.

• Encourage regular hydration (every 15–20 minutes in high heat). Don’t wait until someone feels thirsty. Water is best!

2. Adjust Work Schedules

• Shift strenuous tasks to cooler parts of the day, like early morning, if you can.

• Use rotating schedules to reduce continuous heat exposure.

• Allow for flexible break times based on individual heat tolerance. 
  

3. Reinforce Heat Illness Awareness

• Train team leaders to recognise signs of heat exhaustion (dizziness, nausea, headache, confusion).

• Post simple, visible signage in break areas and near clock in stations as reminders.

• Emphasise a speak-up culture: empower colleagues to look out for each other.

4. Optimise PPE and Uniforms

• I appreciate that there is probably a base level of PPE in your organisation, but where feasible, switch to lighter, breathable materials.

• PPE is continuously improving and innovating. Explore cooling vests for high-heat tasks or enclosed areas.

5. Improve Ventilation and Cooling

• Sometimes air con may not be there – so invest in portable fans or spot coolers for hot zones.

• Check that all existing systems are in working order before peak heat hits.

• Use temporary shade structures for outdoor or open-bay work.

6. Plan for Mental and Physical Fatigue

• Heat affects more than physical endurance. Be mindful of decision-making fatigue and encourage team leaders to maintain empathy and situational awareness during high-heat days. It is really tricky when you aren’t getting proper sleep.

• Encourage Team Leaders/Managers to do more walk-arounds so they experience for themselves what the temperature is like in all areas (rather than dealing with escalations from an air conditioned office).

7. Update Policies and Emergency Plans

• Review your heat stress protocols annually, and reinforce them during toolbox talks/ shift briefings.

• Make sure employees know who to contact in an emergency, and what to do if someone collapses.

• Log and track any heat-related incidents to spot trends or high-risk areas.

8. Recognise and Reward Proactive Behaviour

• Acknowledge teams or individuals who look out for each other.

• Use small incentives or recognition to reinforce a safety-first culture.

Final Thought:

Managing heat isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting your workforce’s health and your reputation. With a few proactive steps, you can ensure your teams remain safe, engaged, and productive all summer long.

As always this is intended to be general guidance, and specific cases would need advice from a credible HR person – that’s me! For practical and pragmatic HR support please get in touch.