The UK is currently experiencing a scorching heatwave.
Liverpool has seen temperatures soar to as high as 30C. The Met Office says the UK could enjoy its hottest day ever this week amid wild predictions of 43C temperatures in some areas of the country.
While it sounds wonderful if you are free to visit the beach or paddle in a pool, it can be completely uncomfortable for those who still have to work. We take a look at what rights workers have during such high temperatures, including what the maximum temperature should be in the workplace.
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The Mirror reported that during times of scorching weather, the TUC workers' union has urged bosses to allow flexible working and relaxed dress codes to help staff. Workers should also be allowed to take frequent breaks to help them keep cool.
There's a recommended minimum temperature for a workplace, although it isn't set in law - 16ºC, or 13ºC if employees are doing physical work - but things get a bit messier when it comes to a maximum.
There isn't a law for maximum working temperatures. However, during working hours the temperature in all indoor workplaces must be "reasonable".
The TUC wants to make it illegal to keep people at work indoors if the temperature is above 30°C and protection in place for people working outside or driving for a living too. Sadly, that's not happened yet – but the good news is that there are rules that can let you leave an office that's too hot, just no official maximum temperature.
The TUC explained: “An employer must provide a working environment which is, as far as is reasonably practical, safe and without risks to health. In addition, employers have to assess risks and introduce any necessary prevention or control measures."
So over to the Health and Safety Executive, who provide the regulatory framework for work place health and safety in Britain, to explain what to do if things get uncomfortable.
HSE explained: “A meaningful maximum figure cannot be given due to the high temperatures found in, for example, glass works or foundries. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 lay down particular requirements for most aspects of the working environment. Regulation 7 deals specifically with the temperature in indoor workplaces and states that:
"During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable. However, the application of the regulation depends on the nature of the workplace, such as a bakery, a cold store, an office, a warehouse.”
Employers also have to provide “clean, fresh air” as well as keep temperatures at a comfortable level. The good news is that, because there's no official limit, you can get action taken whatever the temperature as long as people think it's uncomfortable.
The HSE said: “If a significant number of employees are complaining about thermal discomfort, your employer should carry out a risk assessment, and act on the results of that assessment." If you're a more vulnerable employee – for example have a thyroid imbalance or are undergoing the menopause, or need to wear protective equipment at work so can't take of layers - that also has to be taken into account.
So the answer is simple – if you're uncomfortable, tell your boss. If enough people do then they have to act. You can see more information here.
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