Temperature in the workplace: working safely in hot conditions

Published: 11 July 2022

Heat-health alerts have been issued this week as temperatures soar across the UK.

Make sure you have the right advice and guidance to work safely in hot weather.

For more information visit the Health and Safety Executive temperature in the workplace website.

Is it too hot to work?

There's no law for maximum working temperature, or when it's too hot to work.

In offices or similar environments, the temperature in workplaces must be reasonable.

Employers must stick to health and safety at work law, including:

• keeping the temperature at a comfortable level, sometimes known as thermal comfort
• providing clean and fresh air

The Health and Safety Executive thermal comfort checklist (PDF) can help you identify whether there may be a risk of thermal discomfort in your workplace.

Employees should talk to their employer if the workplace temperature isn't comfortable. HSE have guidance on what you can do to feel more comfortable.

Working safely in hot conditions

It is important to remember the risks of overheating when working in hot conditions, whether you are inside or outdoors.

The HSE website has practical guidance on what you can do to manage the risks, including:

• Information on factors that can lead to heat stress, and how to reduce the risk of it occurring
• Managing outdoor working environments