Turning Up the Heat: Why Overlooked Thermal Risk Is Becoming a Safety Crisis
As global temperatures rise, the impact of heat stress on outdoor workforces — particularly in construction, agriculture and infrastructure work — can no longer be ignored. A recent IOSH article emphasises that many UK workplaces are unprepared for extreme heat, and that heat must now be treated as a legitimate hazard requiring risk assessment and control.
In construction specifically, heat‑related illness is part of a growing pattern. An IOSH magazine warning highlighted that “construction workers are more likely to die from heat‑related illnesses than workers in other industries.”
What should you do in your business today?
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Include heat as a hazard in your existing risk assessments, especially for summer months or when working in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.
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Introduce control measures such as rotating shifts to cooler periods, providing shaded rest zones, encouraging hydration, and modifying PPE where possible (e.g. using breathable fabrics).
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Train your teams so they can recognise early signs of heat exhaustion, heat stroke or dehydration, and respond appropriately.
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Monitor those at higher risk: new workers, people with medical conditions, or those wearing heavy PPE.
At All Star Safety, our competency in health surveillance, training, and risk assessment means we can help you incorporate thermal stress controls seamlessly into your safety management system.
Fire Safety Failure & Structural Collapse: Two Recent HSE Prosecutions
Recent HSE press announcements have revealed two stark examples of failures in fire safety planning and structural risk control:
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Glovers Court redevelopment, Preston — A building firm was fined £165,000 for neglecting fire detection systems, alarm procedures, phasing of work to maintain fire compartmentation, and other critical safeguards during ongoing construction work.
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Collapse of a retaining wall in Bath area — A contractor was prosecuted after a 1.8 m wall collapsed, killing a worker during building extension work. The court found that a proper risk assessment and securing of the structure would have prevented the event.
These cases reinforce enduring principles: fire safety must not be postponed until “later phases,” and temporary works or structural modifications require diligent control.
From a consultancy perspective, these are ideal case studies to revisit your fire safety plans, phase reviews, temporary works protocols and contractor oversight arrangements.
Should HSE Take on Occupational Health Regulation?
A movement is now afoot within the safety profession to create a new Occupational Health Authority under the HSE. A recent IOSH‑led report argues this can tighten accountability for occupational health outcomes and better integrate physical and mental health into workplace regulation.
If the government moves in this direction, employers may soon face more detailed health‑regulation obligations beyond current statutory duties (e.g. under COSHH, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health, or Health Surveillance). Being ahead of the curve would be wise.
Why This Matters to You (and Your Clients)
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Safety is not static. As climate risk intensifies, your controls must adapt.
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Prosecutions continue to show that courts treat failure to manage basic risks—fire, structural collapse, heat—with seriousness.
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The regulatory landscape may soon expand to place health (not just safety) under more formal oversight.
How All Star Safety Ltd Can Help
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Training, NVQ & competency services: We can deliver refresher courses on thermal risk, fire safety, temporary works, and health topics.
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Health & safety consultancy & audits: We offer gap analysis, fire safety checks, structural risk reviews and occupational health strategy planning.
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Policy & procedural design: If you wish to future‑proof against potential new occupational health regulation, we can help map policy frameworks ahead of legislative change.
If you’d like support embedding thermal safety, strengthening your fire and structural risk controls, or preparing for an enhanced occupational health regime, contact All Star Safety Ltd on 0330 133 0402 or 01473 561 402.