Heatwaves Reducing Productivity

Heatwaves reducing productivity? In this blog we’ll discuss how temperature effects your staff and your product quality, how your can monitor temperature with our OpenSmartMonitor system, and what you can do to improve your workplace temperatures.

Rising Temperatures in the UK

Over the last 5 years the temperatures across the UK have been soaring, especially during the summer time, with 41-45°Cbeing measured in 2022being the highest on record. The UK is not made for such heat as it is a country known for cold and wet weather all year round, with of course some sun appearing through the grey skies here and there. Our buildings are designed and built to lock in heat and withstand harsh winters, not for dealing with mediterranean heat.

The Met Office Have this year conducted a study looking into the escalating climate trends and how our heatwaves could last much longer than usual. Older generations will remember the heatwave in 1976 which saw temperatures of 28°C lasting for more than a fortnight (2 weeks), however, the Met Office studies reveal that new heatwaves could persist for a month or more.

Temperature in the Workplace

Whilst the UK government and HSE provides a guidance of minimum temperature between 16°C and 13°C, there has never been a maximum. Again showing that we are a country made for colder days. However, whether hot or cold, temperature can have a range of effects within the workplace, affecting staff well-being, productivity, machine health, and material/product quality. Maintaining an ideal temperature can be tricky, not only because of the weather, but because we all have a different tolerance and requirement within our own industries.

Well-being and Productivity

Working in high temperatures will result in staff feeling tired, dehydrated, and in some cases unwell. Loughborough University shared findings from a study by Professor George Havenith which delves into the productivity decrease due to the 2022 heatwave. In short, this found a 76% reduction in productivity during this 40°C heatwave. This study also talks about heat stress with many experiencing this when temperatures begin to exceed 35°C, at this temperature productivity can decrease by 35%.

Machine Health

Machines all work differently, but each one is a generator of heat and have their own temperature ranges they can work inside of. Higher external temperatures will increase the internal machine temperature causing it to work harder, dry out quicker, and breakdown easier. Not only that, but depending on what type of machine and its job, the outcome could also lack quality.

Material and Product Quality

Materials like wood and metal are always subject to warping and twisting when temperatures fluctuate and this can cause issues within production quality. Similarly, a finished product could also see the same issues, especially if the space for storage is not correctly adapted.

Cooling the Workplace in a Heatwave

After reading about the affects and why workplaces struggle in hot weather, you are now back to that question – How can I cool down my workplace?

1. Open Windows and Improve Air Flow

Especially when the weather is hot with some wind, opening your windows around the building will ensure air is flowing rather than standing still, this will create a chill breeze around your building, cooling temperatures down. When however the air outside is hot and still, this could cause workplace temperatures to also rise when opening windows as with little to no air flow from winds, the hot air will just slowly creep through the building.

In the case of no wind, this will mean seeing what the temperature will get to outside and determining whether it is best to leave windows open or utilise fans or air conditioning units.

2. Rework Machine Layout

As mentioned, machinery is a great generator of heat and this alone can cause workplace temperatures to rise to an uncomfortable level. Where it is possible, rearranging your layout will ensure this generated heat is evenly dispersed, leveling out the temperature. This method also has benefits for colder months with one of our customers saving 50% on their gas bill by ensuring they were making the most of this generated heat.

3. Add Shorter Breaks and Encourage Re-hydration

Not necessarily a method for cooling down a building, but more so an important step for ensuring the health of your workforce. By allowing your staff to take more breaks with a shorter time period, this will enable them to cool themselves down and grab some water too, and by taking that initial factory morning break and splitting the time into three shorter breaks will also not cause any lost time compared to a normal day. With that said, even if it does mean some time is lost, it won’t be as bad as losing time due to hot and unproductive staff.

4. Earlier Working Hours and Relaxed Uniform

If your staff are willing to come in earlier, this will mean they will hopefully miss the height of the day, ensuring they are working when it is cooler. Relaxing uniform rules to allow for more suitable clothing will enable workers to expend their body heat effectively.

Keep Ahead of the Heatwave

By remotely monitoring your workplace environments and machine health, you will gain instant insights into when temperatures are on the rise, informing you of when action is required. Setting up temperature alerts is a sure way to make sure you maintain a healthy and comfortable workplace, and for machinery will reduce the risk of overheating or breakdowns.

Interested in keeping up to date with your environment? Visit opensmartmonitor.co.uk to request a demo and see how we can equip your factory with the right tools. Keep ahead of the increasing temperatures.