With UK summers becoming increasingly warmer, employers are more frequently having to deal with questions such as:
The good news is that there are practical steps employers can take to protect their staff while maintaining productivity.
Contrary to popular belief, there is currently no legal maximum workplace temperature in the UK.
There has been some recent debate and discussion about whether this should change but for now there is no law specifically dealing with this.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that employers must provide a reasonable workplace temperature and, more importantly, ensure that risks associated with high temperatures are properly assessed and managed.
What is “reasonable” will depend on the type of work being carried out and the working environment.
For example, an office without air conditioning presents very different risks to a commercial kitchen, warehouse or construction site.
Under health and safety legislation, employers have a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees.
This means considering the risks posed by excessive heat, including:
Where employees work outdoors or in hot environments, employers should carry out a suitable risk assessment and introduce appropriate control measures.
Where appropriate, consider allowing lighter clothing during periods of hot weather.
For office-based employees this may mean removing the requirement to wear jackets or ties, or allowing smart shorts where appropriate.
Remember that health and safety requirements still take priority. Employees who need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) must continue to do so.
If operationally possible, allow employees to:
This can help employees avoid travelling and working during the hottest part of the day.
This may also be necessary for employees with children where schools and childcare settings adjust their hours or close altogether due to the heat.
Employers should ensure employees have access to plenty of cool drinking water.
Encourage staff to drink water regularly rather than waiting until they feel thirsty.
Simple measures can make a significant difference, including:
Although employers are not legally required to provide air conditioning, they must ensure adequate ventilation and take reasonable steps to reduce heat-related risks.
During periods of extreme heat, more frequent breaks can help employees cool down and reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
This is particularly important for employees undertaking physical work or working outdoors.
Some employees may be at greater risk during hot weather, including:
Where appropriate, carry out individual risk assessments and consider reasonable adjustments.
For employees working outside, such as cleaners, construction workers, gardeners or delivery drivers, additional precautions may be required.
Employers should consider:
Not simply because they are uncomfortable.
However, if working conditions present a serious risk to health and safety, employees should raise their concerns with their employer immediately.
Employers should investigate concerns promptly, carry out or review risk assessments and take reasonable steps to reduce the risk.
Ignoring genuine health and safety concerns could expose employers to legal claims as well as enforcement action.
Hot workplaces don’t just create health and safety risks, they can also impact business performance.
Employees working in excessive temperatures may experience:
Taking simple preventative measures can often improve both wellbeing and productivity.
Not every solution needs to be complicated.
Providing cold drinks, ice lollies or allowing an extended lunch break during exceptionally hot weather can boost morale and demonstrate that the business values its employees’ wellbeing.
Small gestures are often remembered long after the temperature drops.
This week the air conditioner broke in our office, and Manda came up with the genius idea of sitting with her feet in a tub of cold water, and it worked wonders whilst the air conditioning was being fixed.
Several of us tried it subsequently and I can attest that it is a great simple solution to cool down whilst sat at your desk!
There may not be a legal maximum workplace temperature, but employers still have a legal duty to protect employees from the risks associated with excessive heat.
By carrying out sensible risk assessments, making temporary adjustments to working practices and supporting employees during periods of hot weather, businesses can remain productive while keeping their workforce safe.
If you need advice about your health and safety obligations or managing employees during periods of extreme weather, our team of experts are here to help.
Photo by Immo Wegmann on Unsplash
Appointments are available by telephone or via video call, so no matter where you are in England or Wales we can assist you.
The information contained in this blog post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time it is written. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.
The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.
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