Last year (2001/2002) ten percent of complaints received by the unit involved workers' welfare and around a quarter of those were related to temperatures in the workplace.

And, with the brief English summer arriving in York, staff in the unit are preparing themselves for a surge in complaints about workplace temperatures.

Food and Safety Unit manager John Cragg said, "Even though British summers are notoriously short, working indoors during the summer months can cause discomfort and even ill health if not tackled effectively."

The council works with city employers to promote good workplace practice in terms of ensuring temperate working conditions for staff.

The Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992 state that, "During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable". Mr Cragg said, "This is interpreted to mean a minimum of 16¡C (61¡F) and 13¡C (55¡C) if the work involves a degree of physical activity.

"Every workplace should have thermometers available and employers are encouraged to keep a record of temperatures three times a day, to see whether there is a problem - am, midday and pm."

Mr Cragg said that while there wasn't a legally-defined upper temperature limit there were a number of steps employers could take if staff complained of feeling uncomfortable.

The steps include: insulating heat sources in the building shading windows providing ventilation by opening windows using fans to circulate fresh air using portable air conditioning units

The unit also advises that the use of fans on their own is not effective and should be supplemented with a supply of fresh air from open doors and windows.

Mr Cragg said staff could help themselves by drinking regularly to keep hydrated - easily accessible drinking water must be provided by employers by law - and, where possible, by sitting down to ease blood circulation.

A common question from staff complaining about rising workplace temperatures is whether they can force employers to provide air conditioning. But, said principal health and safety officer Dawn Webster, "Employers are not always required to install air conditioning because the UK climate does not warrant it. However, every workplace is different and we are happy to investigate complaints on their own merits."

Employees or employers wanting more advice can attend the Food and Safety Unit's award-winning advice surgery which operates every Wednesday afternoon between noon and 3pm at 9, St Leonards Place, York (opposite the Theatre Royal). The surgery is free and totally confidential. Alternatively, anyone with an issue to raise can contact the team on 01904 551525.

END