HR file: Working in a heatwave

This summer has seen temperatures soar to beyond 35°C in some areas, so employers should be aware of their responsibilities during extreme heat.

Is there a maximum temperature for the workplace?

There is in fact no fixed legal maximum (or indeed minimum) temperature requirement for the workplace when work is carried out indoors. However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) stipulates that temperatures within a workplace should be ‘reasonable’, which will in turn depend on the work environment and the type of work being carried out. During heatwaves employers must consider whether any additional measures should be taken to keep employees comfortable. This could include easy access to drinking water or relaxing the dress code. In workplaces that do not have built-in air conditioning, employers may wish to hire air con units or fans.