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HSQE Communication Bulletin - August 2025

Document Reference: COMM_HSQE_08_2025
Issue Number: 1
Issue Date: 01/08/2025
Review Cycle: Monthly
Controlled By: HSQE Consultant Document Type: Communication Bulletin

Document Control Information

Rev Changes Date Approved By
1 Initial Issue - August 2025 HSQE Updates 01/08/2025 Aaron Mason

Executive Summary

HSE announces heat stress regulation review as temperatures soar. WHO/WMO issue joint guidance on worker protection.

🟡 HSE Heat Stress Regulations Review

Major regulatory change coming:

  • Construction workers 13x more likely to die from heat-related illness
  • Heat stress causes 29-41% productivity loss
  • Productivity drops 2-3% per degree above 20°C

Current Requirements (No Maximum Temperature):

  • Minimum 16°C indoor (13°C for physical work)
  • No outdoor temperature limits
  • Protective measures mandatory

Expected Changes: Maximum temperature limits and specific trigger points

Immediate Heat Management Requirements

For A M Water Services teams:

  1. Schedule heavy work for cooler hours
  2. Water stations (1 cup/20 minutes)
  3. Frequent shade breaks
  4. Cooling vests, hats, towels
  5. Buddy system implementation
  6. Acclimatization: 50-100% over 4 days

Warning Signs:

  • 🟡 Heat Cramps: Muscle spasms
  • 🔴 Heat Exhaustion: Fatigue, dizziness, nausea
  • ⚫ Heat Stroke: Confusion, no sweating - CALL 999

Chemical Safety Prosecution

Dundas Chemical fined £100,000 for steam burns incident:

  • Process water tank cleaning
  • Failed valve maintenance
  • No maintenance records

Relevance: Water treatment works use similar steam systems

WHO/WMO Joint Guidance

International recognition of heat stress as major occupational hazard:

  • Manual workers at highest risk
  • Construction specifically highlighted
  • Innovation and technology adoption encouraged

#TEAM Wellbeing Focus

With extreme heat:

  • Check on colleagues regularly
  • Encourage breaks
  • Report any heat stress symptoms
  • Remember: Together Everyone Achieves More

Action Items for August

  1. ✅ Implement comprehensive heat protocols
  2. ✅ Train supervisors on heat stress recognition
  3. ✅ Review steam system maintenance
  4. ✅ Prepare for regulatory consultation
  5. ✅ Enhance buddy system procedures

This document forms part of A M Water Services Limited's Integrated Management System and should be read in conjunction with the IMS Manual (MAN_01) and relevant Standard Operating Procedures.