As UK summers get hotter, employers must take steps to protect staff from the risks of working in extreme heat. Heatwaves can affect productivity, comfort, and health

All employers are under a general duty under Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to provide a safe working environment. This incorporates working at safe temperatures. There is no legal maximum temperature set out in UK law. However, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 say that workplace temperatures must be “reasonable”.

To ensure you provide a safe working environment during warm weather, employers should consider undertaking a warm weather risk assessment. This will help you to identify any particular risk areas and steps that can be taken to minimise those risks. These are often common-sense: fans, ventilation, relaxed dress codes, shaded areas for outdoor workers and access to water.

Employers should be mindful that some employees face higher risks associated with heat. For example:

•             Outdoor workers (e.g. construction, delivery): need shade, sun protection, hydration.

•             Pregnant employees: may be more vulnerable to overheating.

•             Disabled employees: certain conditions may make temperature regulation harder. Reasonable adjustments may be needed under the Equality Act 2010.

Employers have a clear duty to take heat seriously. It is important to be pro-active and have a warm weather plan in place which is clearly communicated to staff before a heatwave hits. Small adjustments can often make a big difference.

For further information, please contact Kerry Curd in the employment team on 01626 202406 or email KerryCurd@wbw.co.uk.

WBW Solicitors has offices in Axminster, Bovey Tracey, Brixham, Chard, Exeter, Exmouth, Honiton, Launceston, Newton Abbot, Paignton, Seaton, Sidmouth, and Torquay.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.