Temperatures over 30C are being felt across the UK, as the country is hit with a heatwave. The Met Office has said it is rare to see such high temperatures for this time of year.
England saw its hottest May day for at least 79 years on Sunday with a high of 32.3C at Kew Gardens in southwest London. Yesterday was the hottest Bank Holiday on record with “historic” temperatures of 34C in Greater London and South-East England. Fortunately, most office workers have air conditioning to keep them cool, but those working long hours outside do not. So, what are the rules for working in high temperatures? Under the Government website’s health and safety at work section, it stated: “During working hours, the temperature in all indoor workplaces must be reasonable.” There is currently no law for minimum or maximum working temperatures, for example, when it’s too cold or too hot to work.
However, guidance suggested a minimum of 16C or 13C if employees are doing physical work. There’s no guidance for a maximum temperature limit.
Gov.uk said employers must stick to health and safety at work law, including keeping the temperature at a comfortable level and providing clean and fresh air. Employees are urged to speak with their employer if the workplace temperature is uncomfortable.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations require reasonable workplace temperatures for indoor areas of construction sites.
Where the site is outdoors, protection from adverse weather must be provided. Site rest facilities must also be maintained at an appropriate temperature.
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, employers must assess the risks to workers and put controls in place to protect them.
Temperature in the workplace is one of the risks employers should assess, whether the work is being done indoors or outdoors.
According to the Health and Safety Executive website: “All workers are entitled to an environment where risks to their health and safety are properly controlled. Heat is classed as a hazard and comes with legal obligations like any other hazard.”
The Met Office has shared an insight into today’s conditions across the UK. It said: “Temperatures will quickly rise across England and Wales today, turning very hot for many with strong sunshine and light winds.”