Workplace temperatures
Workplace temperatures
What temperature can employees safely work in?
As the warmer weather approaches, our specialist employment team outlines the relevant law and measures that employers can implement during periods of hot weather.
Is there a minimum or maximum workplace temperature?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, there is no legal maximum working or minimum temperature that employees are required to work in. This is because every workplace is different and depending on the area of work, high temperatures may be due to the nature of the work, rather than the season.
However, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty on employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all employees and sub-contractors whilst they are at work.
Moreover, ACAS Guidance states that:
‘Health and safety guidance is that a reasonable temperature should usually be at least 16°C. If much of the work involves a lot of physical effort, it’s 13°C. What is reasonable also depends on the working environment and type of work.’
What measures can employers implement during periods of hot weather?
Whilst employees do have a responsibility to keep themselves cool, for example, by wearing appropriate clothing, The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations specify that employers must:
- Assess the risks to workers; and
- Put controls in place to protect them.
To manage workplace temperatures, the Health and Safety Executive recommends various methods of temperature-control. It is the responsibility of the employer to determine a ‘reasonable’ temperature and should consider:
- Providing fans;
- Air conditioning;
- Opening windows;
- Providing cold drinking water;
- Allowing extra breaks;
- Relaxing formal dress code (within defined limits); or
- Implementing flexible working patterns.
Maintaining an open culture where employers and employees can have a sensible conversation regarding workplace temperatures is key to ensuring that the workplace remains productive during hotter (or colder) periods.
How can we help?
If you have any queries, please contact Annalie King, Partner and Head of our Employment Law team or Rosie Brighty at Kerseys Solicitors in Ipswich on 01473 213311, Kerseys Solicitors in Felixstowe on 01394 834557 or Kerseys Solicitors in Colchester on 01206 584584, alternatively can email us at [email protected] or visit our website and click “Call Me Back” and a member of our Employment Law team will be happy to contact you at a time that is convenient to you.
