How hot is too hot to work?

As the temperature soars to dizzy new heights in many areas across the UK, employees are asking “How hot is too hot to work?”

Workplace temperatures

According to advice on the Government’s website, during working hours the temperature in all indoor workplaces must be reasonable.

There’s no law for minimum or maximum working temperatures, eg when it’s too cold or too hot to work.

However, guidance suggests a minimum of 16ºC or 13ºC if employees are doing physical work.

There’s no guidance for a maximum temperature limit but is reasonable to for employees to take extra breaks and to keep hydrated during periods of hot weather.

However, it is reasonable for an employer to allow employees to dress down to keep cool. For instance, it is reasonable to allow male members of the team to wear shorts.

Employers must stick to health and safety at work law, including:

• keeping the temperature at a comfortable level
• providing clean and fresh air

Employees should talk to their employer if the workplace temperature isn’t comfortable.

Image courtesy of public domain pictures