Working in extreme heat
Dear Colleagues,
In view of the current heatwave and the unusually high temperatures expected over the coming days, I would like to provide you with the following important information on health and safety, as well as recommendations on organisational arrangements, in consultation with the Staff Council. I would ask you to decide on or agree upon the implementation of these measures for your department.
Health and safety and conduct in the workplace
Hydration: Please ensure you drink enough fluids.
Indoor climate: Make use of the cool morning hours to air out the offices. Close blinds or curtains during the day to keep the heat out as much as possible.
Mutual care: Please be alert to typical signs of overheating or circulatory problems amongst your colleagues so that you can react in good time if necessary.
Work Organisation
Remote working: Provided there are no work-related constraints (e.g. face-to-face meetings, consultation hours, tasks requiring on-site presence) and the nature of the work permits it, there is the option of flexible remote working (including on an hourly basis, e.g. from midday onwards). This must be agreed in advance with your line manager and the team.
The smooth running of the department on site must be ensured during the usual working hours.
Additional breaks: If necessary, additional short breaks should be arranged flexibly within the team.
Additional heat sources: At your workplace, please ensure that other heat sources are switched off as far as possible, particularly electrical appliances and lighting that are not required.
Where your duties allow and in consultation with your line manager, please make use of the option to flexibly adjust your working hours to suit the weather (e.g. by starting work earlier and/or finishing earlier within the framework of flexible working hours).
Thank you for your support and flexibility!
Signed: Siegrid Liebherr
Head of Department of Human Resources