As the UK swelters under a heatwave this May and with more scorching weather likely to come as a result of the forecasted “Super El Niño” event, everyone wants to know the answer: when is it too hot to work? B P Collins’ employment team provides the answer.
There isn’t a set maximum workplace temperature above which employees can refuse to work and previous legislative attempts to introduce one have failed. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 simply state that temperatures inside buildings should be “reasonable”. But employers are expected to protect their employees’ health and safety and to think carefully about the risks associated with excessive heat.
Beyond taking the obvious steps to keep the temperature down such as using air conditioning, closing blinds and introducing fans, employers could also consider mitigating the effects of the heat by relaxing their dress codes, allowing staff to work from home or permitting a longer break for lunch during the hottest part of the day, with the time made up during the evening or in the morning when it is cooler.
Employees must also take reasonable care for their own health and safety and should take sensible steps to keep cool. In particular, employees should make sure they are staying well hydrated, wear sunscreen when outside and make sure they are taking their permitted breaks to take time to cool off.
For further advice and information, please contact B P Collins’ employment team at enquiries@bpcollins.co.uk or call 01753 889995.
