The UK is used to all sorts of weather in the space of an hour, but when a heatwave comes, we are entirely unequipped to handle it.
Despite this there are currently no guidelines on how hot, is too hot, to be at work. However, since the latest heatwave many workers have been calling for a maximum working temperature to be set as climate change is contributing to rising temperatures across the UK.
What are the current legislations on working temperature?
At the moment there is no legal limit on working temperature in the UK around working in the heat.
However, by law employers have a ‘duty of care’ to ensure working temperatures are reasonable for their staff, employers must stick to Health and Safety at work laws.
These laws include keeping the temperatures at a comfortable level and providing clean and fresh air this can be monitored by conducting continuous risk assessments, tracking thermostats and adjusting work rates.
Could working temperature legislation soon change?
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) has called for the government to implement maximum working temperature requirements as heatwaves intensify due to climate change.
It is argued by the CCC that the UK was built on a climate that no longer exists, and employers need to start implementing changes that mitigate the day-to-day effects of climate change.
The CCC have not suggested a maximum working temperature, but they do point to the example of Spain where the legal working temperature for indoors is 27C for sedentary work and 25C for light physical work.
They hope that the implementation of legal working temperatures will incentivise businesses to implement cooling technologies such as air conditioning or green shading to better protect their employees from the negative effects of the heat.
How can you support employees now?
Being proactive with protecting your employees from the heat can boost public perception and keep you in a strong position if the law changes.
Simple steps, such as providing cold drinks, setting up fans or installing air conditioning can help and for outside workers, it may make sense to provide longer or more frequent breaks to help them cool down.
Even if specific rules about working temperatures don’t exist, employers still have a legalresponsibility for employee’s health and safety that they must comply with.
Our employment law team supports businesses in developing policies and practices that support employees in the heat, we can look over your current approach and tailor it to current Government policies.
Contact us today for expert advice on helping employees beat the heat.
