Published on: 21 July 2022
With temperatures soaring across the UK recently, heat-health alerts were issued, but do you have the right advice and guidance to work safely in hot weather?
There’s no law for maximum working temperature, or when it’s too hot to work.
In offices or similar environments, the temperature in workplaces must be reasonable.
Employers must stick to health and safety at work law, including:
- keeping the temperature at a comfortable level, sometimes known as thermal comfort
- providing clean and fresh air
The HSE has a thermal comfort checklist which can help identify whether there may be a risk of thermal discomfort in your workplace.
Employees should talk to their employer if the workplace temperature isn’t comfortable. The HSE has guidance on what can be done to make employees feel more comfortable.
Working safely in hot conditions
It is important to remember the risks of overheating when working in hot conditions, whether you are inside or outdoors.
The HSE website has practical guidance on what you can do to manage the risks, including:
- Information on factors that can lead to heat stress, and how to reduce the risk of it occurring
- Managing outdoor working environments
