Have you ever found yourself at work noticed it gets hot while you’re working after closing?
This is an issue for many SDA members, when the air conditioning stops working or is switched off after the store closes to customers.
Most retail stores are designed to rely on air conditioning as the primary source of airflow. This means that regardless of whether customers are present, the air conditioning should remain on during work hours to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for team members.
Without this airflow, the store can quickly become uncomfortably hot. If air conditioning is broken or switched off, workers can experience discomfort or even heat-related illnesses, including headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms that affect people differently.
Another common issue that workers face is when the lighting suddenly goes out or is reduced to a minimal level. Adequate lighting is essential for employees to perform their tasks safely and effectively. Without sufficient lighting, workers face increased risks of accidents and injuries. In some cases, employees have had to rely on their mobile phone torches to see, or worse, work has come to a halt while the manager arranges for external help to restore proper lighting. This situation not only disrupts productivity but also creates unsafe working conditions.
Both of these issues, temperature control and lighting failure, often occur after the store has closed to customers, raising concerns about whether the conditions remain safe for workers during night shifts.
Regardless of the time of day, workers have the right to a safe working environment, and the responsibility for providing that falls on the employer.
If you encounter issues like lights or air conditioning suddenly failing, remember that you have the legal right to cease unsafe work. If you feel the situation has become unsafe, you should report it to management immediately. Employers are obligated to ensure that work is carried out in a safe and healthy environment at all times.
If these issues persist and aren’t addressed in a reasonable amount of time, members are encouraged to contact the SDA for support. The union can provide advice or, if necessary, intervene to help resolve the issue and ensure a safer workplace.
By Matt Littleboy
SDA Workplace Health and Safety Officer