working temperture ?

[ashadd]

During christmas pressure, we are asked to work "on the deck " to sort the extra packets and parcels, as this is the only available extra space. Its under cover , but its feckin freezing with the wind chill factor. My question is , do we have to work in these conditions, ?as the rest of the workforce are indoors nice and warm. Is there a set temperture ruling ?

[not me]

During christmas pressure, we are asked to work "on the deck " to sort the extra packets and parcels, as this is the only available extra space. Its under cover , but its feckin freezing with the wind chill factor. My question is , do we have to work in these conditions, ?as the rest of the workforce are indoors nice and warm. Is there a set temperture ruling ?

well i doubt theres any rule against it
RM provide indoor/outdoor uniform
and of course delivery staff are out in the 'fecking freezing' for hours every day

[shepherdess]

you should not be sorting packets outside the minimum tempature is 16 degrees if it falls below this then you should not be working get your health and safety rep onto it
http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/faqs/temperature.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[TrueBlueTerrier]

During christmas pressure, we are asked to work "on the deck " to sort the extra packets and parcels, as this is the only available extra space. Its under cover , but its feckin freezing with the wind chill factor. My question is , do we have to work in these conditions, ?as the rest of the workforce are indoors nice and warm. Is there a set temperture ruling ?

There is a temperature ruling but its only for Indoor work areas and its set at "reasonable". As you are outside teh answer would be No.

for more information including exact temperatures visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/faqs/temperature.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[AnotherLimey]

While i agree there should be minimum temps to work in it does seem ironic that one worker sorting packets has a 16 degree min working temp while others outside on delivery in sub standard clothing have none?

[not me]

While i agree there should be minimum temps to work in it does seem ironic that one worker sorting packets has a 16 degree min working temp while others outside on delivery in sub standard clothing have none?

well what would you do?
plenty of jobs require you to work outside
so how do you set a temperature rule?
no deliveries below what temp?
theres an internal temp as thats within the employers control
i once had a job that meant working in refrigerated rooms.
it wasnt possible without that

[AnotherLimey]

I agree with all you said mate, was just pointing out how ironic the rules are.

[Lounge Lizard]

During christmas pressure, we are asked to work "on the deck " to sort the extra packets and parcels, as this is the only available extra space. Its under cover , but its feckin freezing with the wind chill factor. My question is , do we have to work in these conditions, ?as the rest of the workforce are indoors nice and warm. Is there a set temperture ruling ?

Wear suitable warm clothing, take the necessary breaks and you can't complain.
and you're fortunate "Its under cover" - not so where I work, parcels sorted on the yard in the open air, except when it's raining when we have to try to work from the back of vans parked in the street.

[ashadd]

While i agree there should be minimum temps to work in it does seem ironic that one worker sorting packets has a 16 degree min working temp while others outside on delivery in sub standard clothing have none?

well what would you do?
plenty of jobs require you to work outside
so how do you set a temperature rule?
no deliveries below what temp?
theres an internal temp as thats within the employers control
i once had a job that meant working in refrigerated rooms.
it wasnt possible without that

Iknow we are outdoor workers, and we are quite hardy, but, its just that the run up to christmas means ,some are dumped outside sorting packets , as its the only spare space we have at our office. I was just wondering if RM could do that ? But according to some of the replies, i will be freezing my nads off a lot longer than others.....

[not me]

While i agree there should be minimum temps to work in it does seem ironic that one worker sorting packets has a 16 degree min working temp while others outside on delivery in sub standard clothing have none?

well what would you do?
plenty of jobs require you to work outside
so how do you set a temperature rule?
no deliveries below what temp?
theres an internal temp as thats within the employers control
i once had a job that meant working in refrigerated rooms.
it wasnt possible without that

Iknow we are outdoor workers, and we are quite hardy, but, its just that the run up to christmas means ,some are dumped outside sorting packets , as its the only spare space we have at our office. I was just wondering if RM could do that ? But according to some of the replies, i will be freezing my nads off a lot longer than others.....

raise it with the union/HSE rep and see what they say
perhaps you can introduce coffee/warm up breaks
alternating staff etc

[stokes11eg]

Yes. in certain conditions wether you are indoors or out, if normal guidelines can't be applied, you are entitled to 'warm up' or cool down drinks .

[Stormproof]

The day I had my AOD it was
nothing was ever said about the temp, no severe weather policy either

[stokes11eg]

Sadly, in Britain, there is very little legislation laid down regarding working temps. most are just guidlines, and even then there are variables. If outside temps are very low, for example then more time is allowed for the heating up of a building etc. Common sense is the answer, but most employers flout it!