How hot is too hot to work?
Temperatures are set to soar
Sweltering heatwave conditions are set to grip the UK once again as the Met Office predicts record-breaking highs of 38C in parts of the UK in the coming week.
On Monday, Monmouth is forecast to be the hottest spot in Wales reaching a toasty 31C. In other parts of Wales temperatures are expected to range between 26C and 30C.
The heatwave is set to continue throughout the week, with coastal areas in the west are expected to be slightly cooler.
With many people returning to work on Monday, June 22, people will be wondering if it will be considered too hot for them to work given the warnings from the Met Office.
While a lot of offices will benefit from air-conditioning, those putting in long hours outdoors are likely to struggle. So what exactly are the rules regarding working in extreme heat?
The temperature rules at work
Under the government website’s health and safety at work section, it states: “During working hours the temperature in all indoor workplaces must be reasonable.”
There is currently no law for minimum or maximum working temperatures, for example when it’s too cold or too hot to work.
But guidance recommends a minimum of 16C, or 13C for employees undertaking physical labour. No guidance exists regarding a maximum temperature threshold at the moment.
Gov.uk states that employers must adhere to health and safety at work legislation, which includes maintaining a comfortable temperature and ensuring clean, fresh air.
Workers are encouraged to raise concerns with their employer should the workplace temperature become uncomfortable.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations stipulate reasonable workplace temperatures for indoor areas of construction sites.
Where work takes place outdoors, adequate protection from harsh weather conditions must be provided, and site rest facilities must be kept at an appropriate temperature.
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, employers are obliged to evaluate risks to workers and implement measures to safeguard them.
Workplace temperature is among the hazards employers should assess, regardless of whether work is carried out indoors or outdoors.
Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice