Whilst there’s currently no legal maximum temperature for workplaces, the HSE advises that staff should work in ‘reasonable’ temperatures. Here’s our advice on how to support your staff during hot weather. 

What does the law advise?

Temperatures in the indoor workplace are covered by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which place a legal obligation on employers to provide a ‘reasonable’ temperature. The HSE advises that employers must stick to the health and safety at work law, which includes:

• Maintaining the temperature at a comfortable level
• Providing clean and fresh air

The Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers recommends that a suitable range of indoor temperatures should be between 13°C and 23°C (this is governed by how strenuous the work is). For example:

• 13°C for those involved in heavy work in factories
• 16°C for lighter work in factories
• 18°C for shops
• 20°C for offices

What should employers do to support staff during hot weather?

Aside from the obvious actions employers can take to make the workplace cooler with ventilation or aircon, they can also:

• Conduct a Risk assessment. The HSE recommends conducting a risk assessment and taking action where and when reasonably practical. This is required under Workplace Regulations, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. According to the HSE, “The temperature of the workplace is one of the potential hazards that employers should address to meet their legal obligations. Employers should consult with employees or the representatives to establish sensible means to cope with high temperatures.”
• Allow flexible working or working from home. Employers could stagger working hours so that staff are not travelling to and from work during the hottest times, or allow more working from home if the environment is more conducive to work. This is also relevant where extreme heat could impact transport services.
• Relax dress codes. An informal dress code will allow staff to dress appropriately for the weather, including shorts for men for example.
• Provide fans for desk-based staff. A simple and cost-effective way to keep staff cool.
• Ensure drinking water is available throughout the day.
• Be mindful of vulnerable employees whose health may be impacted by the heat and make reasonable adjustments. Read the Gov guidance on supporting vulnerable people during extreme weather conditions.

For more advice on employment law or your small business HR, get in touch with our team or book a free 15 min advisory call. 

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