Government confirms legal rights to leave work if it’s too hot | Weather | News
In the UK, hit by a heatwave, temperatures are felt above 30 degrees. The Met Office said it was rare to see such high temperatures at this time of year.
Britain experienced its warmest May day for at least 79 years on Sunday, with temperatures reaching 32.3 degrees at Kew Gardens in south-west London. Yesterday saw the hottest Bank Holiday on record, with “historic” temperatures of 34 degrees across Greater London and South East England. Fortunately, most office workers have air conditioning to keep them cool, but those who work long hours outside do not. So what are the rules for working at high temperatures? The occupational health and safety section of the government website states: “The temperature in all enclosed workplaces should be reasonable during working hours.” There are currently no laws regarding minimum or maximum operating temperatures (e.g. when the weather is too cold or too hot to operate).
However, the guidance recommends a minimum temperature of 16C or 13C if workers are doing physical work. There is no guideline regarding the maximum temperature limit.
Employers must adhere to health and safety legislation at work, including keeping the temperature at a comfortable level and providing clean, fresh air, Gov.uk said. Employees are asked to talk to their employers if workplace temperatures are uncomfortable.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations require reasonable workplace temperatures for indoor areas of construction sites.
Where the field is outdoors, protection from adverse weather conditions must be provided. Recreational facilities on site should also be kept at the appropriate temperature.
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, employers must assess risks to workers and implement controls to protect them.
Temperature in the workplace is one risk that employers must evaluate, regardless of whether work is done indoors or outdoors.
According to the Health and Safety Executive website: “All workers have the right to an environment in which risks to their health and safety are appropriately controlled. Heat is classed as a hazard and, like other hazards, imposes legal obligations.”
The Met Office has shared an insight into today’s conditions across the UK. The statement said: “Temperatures will rise rapidly in England and Wales today, with strong sunshine and light winds making it too hot for many people.”
