Extreme Weather Events

All teams should consider the potential risks from high temperature and sun exposure as part of their risk assessment process. Whether you're working from home, office or location, you should discuss with your teams the plans for working safely. 

What Can Go Wrong?

• Dehydration
• Heat exhaustion (dizziness, headaches, nausea, fatigue)
• Heat stroke (serious medical emergency)
• Overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing
• Reduced concentration leading to errors or accidents
• Increased risk of incidents such as slips, trips, and equipment misuse
• Increased risk of ill health and absence

Contact your HRBP or the BBC Health and Wellbeing team for further health advice.

Hazards

− High ambient temperatures (indoor and outdoor)

− Heat generated from lighting, equipment, and machinery

− Poor ventilation or confined working spaces

− Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight

− Wearing PPE or costumes that limit heat dissipation

− Physically demanding tasks

What You Can Do

− Stay hydrated – drink water regularly (don’t wait until thirsty)

− Take regular breaks in shaded or cool areas

− Wear lightweight, breathable clothing where possible

− Dress in lighter coloured clothing, sun hats and UV protective sunglasses

− Rotate tasks to reduce prolonged heat exposure

− Use ventilation, fans, or cooling systems where available

− Apply sunscreen and wear sun protection when outdoors

− Plan work to avoid peak heat times where practicable

− Look out for early signs of heat-related illness in yourself and others

− Stop work and seek assistance if symptoms occur

Supervisors/Production Leads:

− Monitor temperature and working conditions

− Adjust schedules and workloads where necessary

− Ensure access to drinking water and rest areas

− Brief teams on heat-related risks and controls

− Sandals/opened toe shoes are not safe to wear in production environments

(Acknowledgement: BBC Studios EXSS-SSALERT-003 Hot Weather)

Who are most at risk?

A heatwave can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people are:

Older people – especially those over 75 and female

People who have a serious or long-term illness including heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson's disease or some mental health conditions

People who are on multiple medicines that may make them more likely to be badly affected by hot weather

People who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places – those who live in a top-floor flat or those whose jobs are outside

Contact your HRBP or the BBC Health and Wellbeing team for further health advice.

Control Measures

If the AC systems have not been recently serviced or inspected consider pre-empting a review & service.

If there are any vulnerable staff members specific measures should be agreed with the individuals concerned.

Encourage staff to take appropriate precautions and as appropriate agree flexible working.

For editorial staff deployments should factor the additional risk from heat and build in additional control measures.

Stay cool indoors - close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors

Wear loose cotton clothing.

Plan breaks in shade and provide sufficient water

Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol

Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm

Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen regularly and wear a wide brimmed hat,

If you have to go out in the heat make sure you take water with you

Avoid any aerobic activity in the hottest parts of the day