It's Hot Outside (and Inside Too)

With temperatures outside souring to 30 degrees and more, we’ve had an increased number of enquiries around how hot it has to be before employees can complain about their working conditions. The following information from ACAS may be helpful when deciding what you may be able to do in your workplace to make working conditions more bearable.

Working at Hot Temperatures

Although the Great British Summer often doesn't result in hot temperatures there will be times when the sun does come out and workers find themselves working in hot conditions. In the UK there is no maximum temperature that a workplace is allowed to be, rather advice from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) states ‘during working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable’. What is reasonable depends on the type of work being done (manual, office, etc) and the type of workplace (kitchen, air conditioned office, etc).

The HSE offers further guidance on workplace temperatures including details on carrying out an optional thermal comfort risk assessment if staff are unhappy with the temperature - Health and Safety Executive (HSE) - Temperature.

Getting to Work

Generally hot weather shouldn't affect journeys to work, but occasionally in the UK there might be an impact on public transport if temperatures go over a certain level. Train companies may limit the speed of trains in case the tracks buckle which may result in the late arrival of your train. You should check with your local train company to see if speed restrictions are in place or cancellations are expected and plan accordingly.

Keeping Cool in Work

While employers are not legally obliged to provide air conditioning in workplaces, they are expected to provide reasonable temperatures. If you have air conditioning switch it on, if you have blinds or curtains use them to block out sunlight and if you're working outside wear appropriate clothing and use sun screen to protect from sunburn.

It is also important to drink plenty of water and employers must provide employees with suitable drinking water in the workplace. It is important to drink water regularly throughout the day and not to wait until you are thirsty as this is an indication that you are already dehydrated.

Vulnerable Workers

The hot weather can make workers feel tired and less energetic especially for those who are younger, older, pregnant or those on medication. Employers may wish to give these workers more frequent rest breaks and ensure ventilation is adequate by providing fans, or portable air cooling units.

Dress Code in the Workplace During Hot Weather

Employers often have a dress code in the workplace for many reasons such as health and safety, or workers may be asked to wear a uniform to communicate a corporate image. A dress code can often be used to ensure workers are dressed appropriately.

While employers are under no obligation to relax the dress code or uniform requirements during hot weather, some may allow workers to wear more casual clothes, or allow "dress down" days. This does not necessarily mean that shorts and flip flops are appropriate, rather employers may relax the rules in regards to wearing ties or suits.

For more information on this or any other HR related matter, please give us a call.