Once again, we’re facing another UK heatwave. Whether it lasts five days or five weeks, each summer brings familiar challenges: overheated workplaces, decreased productivity, and employees feeling uncomfortable or even unwell.
That sticky, sweaty feeling isn’t just unpleasant, hot weather can create real risks for staff, especially in workplaces without air conditioning or where outdoor work and manual labour are involved. This is where expert Health & Safety Support becomes essential.
As temperatures rise, so do employee concerns, often expressed with the all-too-common phrase:
“It’s too hot to work!”
While the UK doesn’t currently define a legal maximum working temperature, employers have a clear legal duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to maintain reasonably safe and comfortable working conditions. Our Health & Safety Consultancy team is here to help you understand these obligations and put practical measures in place.
If you want to hear from our safety experts on how best to manage heat risks in your workplace, get in touch.
Can It Really Be Too Hot to Work?
In short – yes, and no.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require workplace temperatures to be “reasonable,” but no maximum temperature is legally enforced.
Instead, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) encourages employers to assess thermal comfort based on:
- The work being done
- The environment
- Individual risk factors
Examples:
- Office workers in stuffy spaces may struggle to concentrate or remain productive.
- Outdoor workers are more prone to sunburn, dehydration, and heatstroke.
- Factory or warehouse staff may face added heat from machinery or processes.
In extreme conditions, certain tasks may need to be:
- Delayed until cooler times of day
- Modified
- Or in some cases, paused altogether if they pose health risks.
What Can Employers Do to Help?
The good news? A little goes a long way.
With some thoughtful planning and low-cost interventions, employers can improve wellbeing, reduce absences, and maintain productivity during hot weather.
1. Update Risk Assessments: Make sure your workplace risk assessments include heat-related hazards. Tailor your approach to. Provide Flexible Working Arrangements so the work being done and where it’s carried out.
2. Offer Flexible Working Options: Allow early starts, split shifts, or remote working. Avoiding peak heat hours or crowded commutes can make a big difference.
3. Encourage Hydration and Breaks: Provide cold water stations and remind staff to hydrate regularly. Introduce extra rest breaks in shaded or air-cooled areas.
4. Relax Dress Codes Where Appropriate: Switch to lighter, breathable clothing if safety permits, as long as essential PPE requirements are still met.
5. Improve Ventilation: Use fans, air conditioning units, or rearrange layouts to boost airflow. For outdoor teams, provide shaded zones or cooling shelters.
6. Raise Awareness: Train managers and staff to recognise signs of heat exhaustion, sunburn, or dehydration and respond quickly.
7. Review PPE and Work Patterns: If PPE is essential, explore more breathable alternatives and adjust shift times to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
Quick Tips for Employers During a Heatwave
- Conduct a thermal comfort risk assessment
- Provide access to cold water and encourage regular hydration
- Introduce flexible start and finish times
- Relax dress codes (where safe to do so)
- Use fans, blinds, and improve air circulation
- Schedule physical work for cooler times
- Train staff on heat-related illness symptoms
- Ensure PPE is still appropriate and doesn’t worsen heat stress
- Provide shaded rest areas for outdoor workers
And if you’re feeling extra generous… maybe treat the team to a cold drink or ice cream.
Want Support?
Managing heat risks is more than just a summer issue, it’s part of your ongoing health and safety obligations. At Park City Consulting, we’re here to support you with:
- Risk assessments
- Workplace policy updates
- Employee communications
- Manager briefings and training
Stay cool, stay compliant and if you need help, just get in touch.