Heatwaves and Workplace Temperatures – When Is It Too Hot?

July 19th, 2024

Last updated: December 10th, 2024

In the UK, it can feel like we’re pretty poorly prepared for any peaks and troughs in weather. Workplace temperatures can be uncomfortably hot in the summer and then uncomfortably cold in the winter. In this post, we’re talking about the legal guidelines and employer responsibilities regarding workplace temperatures that must be navigated to ensure employee safety and productivity, especially when it comes to heat.

What the Law Says

In the UK, there is no legally defined maximum temperature for workplaces. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggests that during working hours, the temperature in all indoor workplaces should be reasonable.

The HSE does not prescribe a specific maximum temperature, but instead emphasises that employers must maintain a working environment that is safe and without risks to health. This means assessing the thermal comfort of employees and taking appropriate measures to mitigate heat stress, such as adequate ventilation, and of course, air conditioning.

There are sometimes rumours that go around the workplace of “if it hits 30 degrees we can leave” but this isn’t strictly true. The only laws regard a minimum recommended temperature of 16°C (or 13°C if the work involves severe physical effort), but the upper limit is more ambiguous, largely because what constitutes an uncomfortably high temperature can vary significantly depending on the nature of the work and the workplace.

Controlling Workplace Temperatures: Employer Responsibilities

Despite the lack of a statutory maximum temperature, employers are still obligated to ensure their workers are not adversely affected by heat. This involves conducting risk assessments and implementing measures to manage high temperatures.

Employers can take several steps to keep their employees comfortable and productive during heatwaves:

• Flexible Working Hours. Allowing employees to start earlier or later in the day can help them avoid the peak heat of the afternoon. Shifts can be adjusted to cooler parts of the day.
• Air Conditioning and Ventilation. Ensuring that workplaces are well-ventilated and air-conditioned is crucial. Fans, air conditioning units, and proper ventilation systems can significantly reduce indoor temperatures, and they should be regularly tested and maintained properly so they are working at their maximum potential.
• Hydration. Providing easy access to cold drinking water and encouraging regular hydration breaks helps prevent heat-related illnesses. Employers can set up water stations throughout the workplace.
• Dress Code Adjustments. Relaxing dress codes to allow for lighter, more breathable clothing can make a big difference. For example, allowing employees to wear shorts, skirts, and short-sleeved shirts.
• Breaks and Rest Areas. Increasing the frequency of breaks and providing cool, shaded rest areas can help employees manage heat stress. Designating areas with air conditioning or fans where employees can cool down during breaks is beneficial.
• Remote Work. If possible, allowing employees to work from home can be an effective way to manage workplace temperatures, especially if their home environment is cooler, this means that employees can get their home to a temperature they are happy with.

Educating employees about the signs and symptoms of heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, and what actions to take if they experience or witness these symptoms, is vital for workplace safety. It is possible that workers can fall ill, and employers need to have an adequate failsafe for this.

Importance of a Comfortable Work Environment

Maintaining a comfortable work environment during heatwaves is not just about compliance with regulations but also about ensuring employee well-being and productivity. High temperatures can lead to decreased concentration, increased fatigue, and a higher likelihood of accidents and mistakes.

Heat stress can have serious health implications, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, which can be life-threatening. Working in a kitchen or an environment where there are heat-producing appliances can be even more of a threat, increasing the need for kitchen ventilation or other workplace ventilation.

In industries where outdoor work is common, such as construction or agriculture, additional precautions may be necessary. Providing shaded areas, access to products such as sun cream, rotating tasks to reduce heat exposure, and ensuring workers take frequent breaks can help mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures.

Conclusion

There are calls for a maximum temperature and HSE could introduce this guidance in future years, but as yet, it hasn’t happened. Instead, there is some interpretation, but the responsibility is on employers. By taking proactive measures to address heat in the workplace, employers can maintain productivity and protect the health and well-being of their workforce.