Are employers legally required to maintain specific indoor temperatures for workers?
Complaints about hot, stuffy workplaces are a common feature of UK summers. With the increasing frequency of heatwaves due to climate change, employers must take the impact of high temperatures on employees seriously. Excessive indoor heat can affect comfort, productivity, and health. As such, it is essential for employers to consider the risks of working in hot conditions and take appropriate measures to protect the health and welfare of their staff.
An over hot workplace can impact the health and wellbeing of employees, with risks including dehydration and heat stroke.
Is There a Legal Maximum Temperature for Indoor Workplaces?
In the UK, there is no legally defined maximum indoor workplace temperature. However, under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, employers are required to ensure that the temperature in all indoor workplaces during working hours is “reasonable.” What constitutes a reasonable temperature is not clearly defined in law and varies depending on a range of factors.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that it is not possible to set a maximum temperature. This is partly because some workplaces, such as glassworks or foundries, naturally operate at very high ambient temperatures. According to the HSE, it is still possible to work safely in such environments provided that effective control measures are in place. If you require additional information or guidance, our team is available and happy to assist
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