There is no legal maximum tem perature for workplaces but the HSE is reminding employers to be responsible.
There will always be extremes of temperatures but the responsibility is for employer's to provide a safe working environment for workers. In the food sector and agri in particular where workers may be working with cooking equipment, large machinery, livestock or outdoors there are particular risk factors that can also increase the temperature of working conditions.
Employers must assess risks to the health and safety of their workers by law, including risks from extreme weather such as heat waves. While there is no legal maximum temperature for workplaces, heat is classed as a hazard and should be treated like other hazards.
HSE says everyone – whether working indoors or outdoors – is at risk and employers should discuss with workers changes to manage the risk.
HSE is asking employers to consider simple and cheap measures such as:
Making sure workplace windows can be opened or closed to prevent hot air from circulating or building up. Using blinds or reflective film on workplace windows to shade workers from the sun. Placing workstations away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Putting insulation around hot pipes and machinery. Offering flexible working patterns so workers can work at cooler times of the day. Provide free access to drinking water. Relaxing dress codes if possible. Providing weather-appropriate personal protective equipment Encouraging workers to remove personal protective equipment when resting (ideally in shaded areas) to cool off. Sharing information about the symptoms of heat stress and what to do if someone is affected.
Further HSE guidance can be found at: Temperature (hse.gov.uk)
