The Sun has got his hat on… and so should you

At present we have glorious weather in the UK, however working in this heat isn’t the same as relaxing in it, especially if outside. The HSE states that 4,500 skin cancers a year are a result of outside working.

So, is there a maximum temperature in workplaces?

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 says that your employer must maintain a reasonable temperature where you work, but it does not specify a maximum temperature.

There is a minimum temperature of 16°C, or 13°C if your work involves considerable physical activity. However, your employer is also expected to prevent your workplace being uncomfortably hot. There should also be enough thermometers around the workplace so that you can check the temperature.
But whatever thermometers read, if most people are complaining of the heat, common sense says that it is too hot and something must be done immediately. Remember that how we respond to heat can also depend on the weight and age of a person.

You should also remember that air temperature is only a rough guide because humidity, wind speed, radiant heat sources, clothing, etc. all have an effect, which an ordinary thermometer will not take into account. It is possible to get a more accurate assessment using specialist equipment such as a wet bulb global thermometer or electronic equivalent, which measures humidity. The comfort range for humidity is between 40% and 70%.

The TUC has called for the introduction of an upper limit on workplace temperature so that employers would be forced to act when the temperature inside reaches 24°C. It would mean that staff could be sent home and their employers prosecuted if temperatures at work hit 30°C (or 27°C for those engaged in physically demanding work).

All workers should drink plenty of water in hot weather. Some carbonated drinks can be diuretics which will not sustain hydration like water does and can lead to heat stroke. We have recently visited many sites that provide large dispensers of suncream which is a great addition to take care of those working outside. Clothing, including protective clothing, should not be tight and restricting, and should allow body heat to escape.
Additional procedures can be implemented and a Thermal Comfort Checklist carried out (Download the checklist provided by HSE below). If the checklist highlights too many issues we recommend a detailed risk assessment for working in heat, which we can advise on and assist in creating.