Is it too cold or too hot to work..?

The law does not give a minimum and maximum temperature, instead it stipulates the temperature must be reasonable for the workplace dependant on the work activity and the environmental conditions. A bakery, cold store, office, warehouse, glass works all have varying 'normal' temperatures.

Minimum workplace temperature

The Approved Code of Practice suggests the minimum temperature in a workplace would be 16°C (or 13°C where the typical works involve more rigorous physical effort).

Maximum workplace temperatures

A figure cannot be given at the upper end of the scale due to the high temperatures found in certain work environments, however if not assessed and managed, high temperatures can lead to serious health effects.

To establish the reasonable workplace temperature, a thermal comfort risk assessment could be carried out.

Heat Stress Assessment

HSE provide a ‘Heat Stress Check List’ which can be used when undertaking a heat stress risk assessment. https://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/assets/docs/heat-stress-checklist.pdf 

What does the law say?  

Employers must comply with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 which state the requirements for the working environment and Regulation 7 states that "During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable".

In addition to the Workplace Regulations, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to make suitable assessments of the risks to the health and safety of their employees and take action where necessary and where reasonably practicable.

The temperature of the workplace is one of the potential hazards that employers should address to meet their legal obligations.

Things to consider:

• Do you have a suitable Risk Assessment in place to identify the workplace hazards, including temperature and environment and how do you communicate the findings to your employees?

• Do you have employees who are more vulnerable with significant temperature changes such as pregnant or diabetic workers?

• Do you have any employees working from home – do they have suitable means for heating their work area?

• Are you consulting with your employees to establish sensible means to cope with low or high temperatures?

• Do you need to issue any additional PPE to your employees e.g. warm clothing?

• Are you using emergency portable heaters and are they suitable for the work area?  Are they compliant with your Fire Risk Assessment?

• Are you considering suitable ventilation?

• Are you seeking specific advice on temperature if employees are working in very low or high temperatures, for example heat stress, dehydration or cold stress?

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