Working in high temperatures
As temperatures are on the rise again across the UK, find out about your rights at work.
There is no legal maximum (or minimum) working temperatures, which makes it difficult to say when it is too hot to work. However the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 or (NI) 1993; place a legal duty on employers to provide a 'reasonable' temperature in the workplace.
What is reasonable will depend on your workplace, the type of work you do, whether you have any disabilities , medical conditions and other factors.
Employers are required by law to make a suitable assessment of the risks to the health and safety of their employees. Heat is classed as a hazard and comes with legal obligations like any other hazard.
Employers should consult with union health and safety reps and employees to agree sensible means to cope with high temperatures. This can include access to water and refreshments, more frequent breaks, better ventilation, reduced working hours.
Outdoor working in extreme heat risks heat/sun exposure, dehydration and skin cancer. Employers must risk assess the potential risks and put measures in place to address them. This can include provision of protective equipment, sunscreen and fresh water.
The Health and Safety Executive website provides information on temperature in the workplace, a workplace temperature checklist and guide to working out a comfortable temperature in your workplace (“thermal comfort”).
If you are experiencing problems with workplace temperatures contact your health and safety rep via PCS Digital or email [email protected]