Sun safety: ‘take your breaks’ says chair

26 June 2024

Nottinghamshire Police Federation chair Simon Riley is reminding officers that they are ‘perfectly entitled’ to take breaks in public, particularly during the ongoing hot spell.

Simon said the rising temperatures posed challenges for frontline officers who have to carry protective equipment weighing up to 20lbs.

He urged officers to ensure they stayed hydrated and encouraged understanding and support from people when officers were taking a break in public.

Simon said: “We’re in the hottest spell of the year to date and, with all the kit our members have to carry, it can have a real impact on them, particularly frontline officers.

Dehydration

“There’s the risk of sunburn, dehydration and heat stress, so our advice is to look after yourself.

“Make sure you stay hydrated, seek shade wherever you can, put on sunscreen, and take refreshment breaks.

“We appreciate that the demands of the job mean it’s not always possible to take refreshment breaks and that when officers can, it’s often in public because they don’t know when they’ll need to respond to the next call.

“Remember that for those officers, it may be the first time they’ve had a chance for a drink, and they’re perfectly entitled to do so in public.

“I think the vast majority of people appreciate this, but there are still some who don’t think they should be taking time out in public.”

Simon’s comments come as temperatures in Nottingham are expected to top 28C this week.

The UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office issued a yellow heat health alert for most of England.

Support members

The alert indicates that the heat could pose a risk to health, particularly those who are vulnerable.

Simon encouraged the Force to take steps to support members.

“Nottinghamshire Police has a duty of care to protect employees’ health, and we ask the Force to ensure working conditions are reasonable, comfortable, and safe,” he said.

“Provide 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, perhaps relaxing dress codes and using fans and air con to cool offices.”

READ MORE: Fed member shines light on rural crime in Nottinghamshire.