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5 January 2005 - Returning to Cold
Workplace No Joke Say TUC
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The Trades Union Congress (TUC) once again are calling on
employers to arrange for heating to be turned on prior to workers return from
Christmas holiday period.
The legal temperature of at least 16oC should be complied with,
but the TUC receive many telephone calls from workers complaining of freezing
temperatures upon returning to work after businesses have been closed over the
Festive Season.
The health of workers having to endure such cold temperatures
can affect dexterity, mobility and perhaps add to conditions such as arthritis,
heart disease and muscular disorders.
The TUC General Secretary commented:
"This is hardly the season for employers to play at being
Scrooge. Every year we get lots of calls from workers who return from the
festive break only to find their building is like an ice-box. Returning to a
bitterly cold workplace having spent perhaps the past ten days relaxing with
family and friends is no joke. But ensuring staff return to warm, comfortable
workplaces is simple enough to organise, all employers need to do is to arrange
for someone to come in a day early and turn the heating back on."
Other dangers from freezing workplaces may arise when old
electrical appliances, such as untested heaters are plugged in for instant heat
with potential risks of fires.
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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