Temperatures have already reached 34.8°C, the highest ever recorded in May in the UK, with widespread highs above 30°C and unusually warm overnight conditions. This level of heat is rare for May and brings clear health risks.
Amber heat‑health alerts have been issued across large parts of England, underlining the dangers of prolonged exposure to high temperatures, particularly for those with underlying health conditions.
The PDA reminds employers that extreme heat is a workplace health and safety issue, not a seasonal inconvenience. Employers have a duty to assess risks, implement effective control measures, and make reasonable adjustments where necessary.
Pharmacists and pharmacy teams should raise concerns where workplace temperatures become excessive, particularly where this may impact their wellbeing, colleagues, or patient safety. Concerns should be raised with line managers in the first instance.
What should PDA members do if their workplace becomes too hot?
If your workplace is becoming excessively warm, raise the issue with your line manager as soon as possible. As someone familiar with your working environment, you may wish to suggest realistic and practical steps to help reduce temperatures.
If your manager is not based on site, contact them by phone or email. Where concerns are raised verbally, it is important to follow up in writing to ensure there is a clear record that a health and safety issue affecting staff and patients has been identified.
If your concerns are not addressed, escalate the issue by contacting your local PDA Rep. If you are unsure who this is, please email [email protected].
How can PDA Reps support members?
- PDA Reps can ask the employer for information on how workplace temperatures will be adequately controlled during hot weather.
- PDA Reps should ensure that the employer has suitable plans in place, in advance, for heat/raised temperatures in the workplace. Questions can be raised at the Safety Committee.
- PDA Reps can support members with complaints about heat/temperature in the workplace by raising them with the employer.
Keeping safe and well in hot weather
While warmer weather may be welcome, extreme and prolonged heat can pose serious risks to health, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The PDA’s ‘Keeping safe and well in hot weather‘ factsheet provides practical advice to help members recognise symptoms and take steps to stay safe.
click below to download the factsheet
As extreme heat becomes more frequent and begins earlier in the year, the PDA is urging members to take action:
- Do not ignore unsafe temperatures in your workplace
- Raise concerns early to protect yourself, colleagues and patients
- Put concerns in writing to ensure they are formally recorded
- Seek support from a PDA Rep if issues are not resolved
- Refer to and share the PDA hot weather factsheet.
By raising concerns and working together, members can help ensure employers put in place the protections needed to manage the risks of extreme heat.
Learn more
- Keeping safe and well in hot weather factsheet
- PDA urges employers to keep pharmacists cool while working in hot weather
- Keeping safe and well at work in the heat
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.