The recent heatwave saw a new UK high temperature record of 40.3C being set, beating the 2019 record of 38.7C.  With high temperatures becoming more common, and the possibility of further records being set, employers need to consider what impact this may have on their employees.

UK law does not specify a maximum temperature in the workplace (since some workplaces involve extreme temperatures regardless of the weather, such as certain manufacturing processes).  However, employers do have a legal obligation to ensure that, during working hours, temperatures inside buildings are ‘reasonable’.

What is ‘reasonable’ will depend on the type of work being done (e.g. physical or sedentary) and the type of workplace (e.g. a factory, kitchen, office etc.). Employers should carry out a thermal comfort risk assessment and implement appropriate controls.  These could include:

• Environmental controls such as increasing ventilation, evaluating dress codes, providing fans etc.
• Administrative controls such as rescheduling work times, offering flexible hours, more breaks etc.
• Engineering controls to increase air movement, provide air conditioning etc.

Further guidance on temperatures in the workplace can be found on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.  This brings together a range of guidance, FAQs and further resources setting out what obligations lie with employers, and what practical steps can be taken to address the risks that can come from high temperatures.