Sunscreen handed out on building sites as heat soars

A building firm is providing staff with sunscreen and encouraging them to cover up with hats during hot weather.

Dave Pattison, director of BD Builders in Coventry, said workers were being advised to look after themselves in the heat.

He was speaking as temperatures were set to reach 30C (86F) in parts of the UK on Thursday, with the heat expected to climb further.

"This week, unfortunately, a couple of lads have been on the roof," he said. "We advise them. We tell them to take breaks, stay out of the sun as much as they can."

The firm works across the country on private homes, commercial projects, factories, schools with projects inside and outside buildings.

This week, workers have been constructing a rubber roof, Mr Pattison said, adding: "You can't physically touch the rubber when it gets too hot. It will burn through gloves and your trousers."

He said he did not believe there was any legislation that stated firms had to keep workers out of the sun, but added: "We have a duty of care."

He said the firm offered workers water and sunscreen and advised them to stay in the shade as much as possible - and to take breaks when needed.

"I've had sunstroke before and it's not very nice," Mr Pattison said. "We try and look after the lads as much as we can.

"I suppose from a selfish point of view, if they were to get sunstroke and they can't come into work, we lose productivity."

Mr Pattison said as an employer they wanted to keep workers safe but he said employees also had a duty of care for themselves.

He also said his workers were grown men, so all he could do was provide sunscreen, adding: "I can't physically stand there and apply it."

The precautions taken by the firm are echoed by trade body the Federation of Master Builders.

In a guide on the federation's website, chief executive Brian Berry said: "As temperatures rise, it's vital that everyone on site takes sun protection seriously."

He added that homeowners employing construction workers should also play their part, offering shade and water.

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