‘Stay safe in the sun’ members are reminded

26 June 2024

Officers need to ‘stay safe in the sun’, Dyfed Powys Police Federation members are being reminded.

Branch deputy secretary Ceris Davies said the current hot spell posed challenges for frontline officers and encouraged the Force to take steps to support members.

Ceris said: “We’re in a really warm period, and for frontline officers in particular it can create issues, particularly with the heavy kit they have to carry.

“There’s the risk of dehydration, sunburn and heat stress, so we’re advising our members to look after themselves and stay safe in the sun.

Sunscreen

“That includes wearing a cap, putting on sunscreen where appropriate, and most importantly, drinking plenty of water.

“The Force has a duty of care to protect employees’ health and we ask they ensure working conditions are reasonable, comfortable and safe.

“For outside jobs, that could include providing a supply of cool drinking water, shaded areas when on a scene, and where possible avoiding outside tasks when temperatures are at their highest.

“For those working indoors, using fans and air-con to cool offices and perhaps relaxing dress codes.”

Keep hydrated

Ceris also encouraged members to take breaks to keep cool and hydrated and urged the public to be supportive if they see them grabbing some refreshments.

“Officers need to take refreshment breaks, whether that’s back at the station or in public,” she said.

“That’s true of any time of the year, but even more so in hot spells when they need to stay hydrated ready to go to the next job.

“Remember it could be their first break on a long shift, and who knows what type of job they’ve just been to.

“And our members are always on duty so it’s okay to come and talk to us,” Ceris added.

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