News Article

Is it Too Hot to Work

There is no law for a maximum working temperature, or when it's too hot to work.

Why? Because every workplace is different.

A meaningful upper limit cannot be imposed because in a lot of indoor workplaces high temperatures aren't seasonal but created by work activity, for example in bakeries or foundries.

However, as an employer you must stick to health and safety at work law, including keeping the temperature of the workplace at a comfortable level and providing clean and fresh air.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations require employers to provide a reasonable indoor temperature in the workplace.

Of course, this depends on the work activity and the environmental conditions.

Assessing the risks:

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, you must:

• assess the risks to your workers
• put controls in place to protect your staff, for example you could
  o relax any dress code so staff can wear more suitable clothing, while still following rules on personal protective equipment
  o allow extra breaks for staff to get hot or cold drinks
  o provide extra heating or cooling equipment, such as portable heaters, fans or air conditioning units

As an employer temperature in the workplace is one of the risks you should assess, whether the work is being done indoors or outdoors. Where your staff work outdoors, you must provide protection from adverse weather. Your site rest facilities must also be maintained at an appropriate temperature.

And you should consult with your staff or their representatives on the best ways to cope with high or low temperatures.

 

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