Heatwave: How hot does it need to be before you can ask your boss to go home?
But can you ask your boss to go home if itās unbearable?
The simple answer: Not yet as there is no temperature limit set work UK workplaces. But there is some hope for those struggling...
āBe reasonableā
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which is in charge of guidelines like this, says itās not practical to bring in such a rule, because some places of work need to have very high temperatures ā glass foundries, for example.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBut The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, does have a rule which states: āDuring working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.ā
Reasonable? It leaves a lot of leeway for those in charge to make a decision but it does pose a question.
The HSE guidelines do say that if a āsignificantā number of employees complain about the heat then the employer should carry out a risk assessment. Thereās strength in numbers, it seems.
āIrreparable organ damageā
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) would like maximum and minimum temperatures introduced.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe TUC says: āTrade unions want to see a legal maximum temperature for indoor work of 30Ā°C (27Ā°C for those doing strenuous work), so that employers and workers know when action must be taken.
āIt should be stressed that this is intended as an absolute maximum rather than an indication that regular indoor work at just below 30Ā°C would be acceptable.
āThere should also be a legal duty on employers to protect outside workers by providing sun protection, water, and to organise work so that employees are not outside during the hottest part of the day.ā
The TUC adds that working in hot conditions isnāt just uncomfortable, but that it can actually be very dangerous.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIt says: āIf the temperature goes too high then it can become a health and safety issue. If people get too hot, they risk dizziness, fainting, or even heat cramps.