TEMPERATURES continue to rise, and many will be feeling hot under their work collars.
The MET Office has forecast that temperatures could hit up to 28C across some parts of the UK.
Yet while these balmy conditions may feel like we’re on holiday, for those who have to face days in the office and can’t be with a fan at home, these are your rights when it gets too hot to work.
When is it too hot to work?
Unfortunately, it’s not simple.
Firstly, there’s no minimum or maximum temperature for offices or other places of work defined by law.
But, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has said: “An employer must provide a working environment which is, as far as is reasonably practical, safe and without risks to health.”
The issue is that this definition of what is “reasonable” and “safe” is debatable.
National Accident Helpline legal operations director John Kushnick said: “Temperatures in the workplace are covered by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which place a legal obligation on employers to provide a ‘reasonable’ temperature in the workplace.
“They suggest that the minimum temperature in a workplace should be at least 16ºC, or if the work involves rigorous physical exertion, it can be 13ºC.
“Unfortunately, there are no laws which specifically state that workers can stop working if the temperature gets too hot or cold.”
But if a workplace does feel too hot, there are some typical signs to look out for if it feels like someone is suffering from heat stress:
- An inability to concentrate
- Muscle cramps
- Heat rash
- Severe thirst – a late symptom of heat stress
- Fainting
- Heat exhaustion – fatigue, giddiness, nausea, headache, moist skin
- Heat stroke – hot dry skin, confusion, convulsions and eventual loss of consciousness. This is the most severe disorder and can result in death if not detected at an early stage
Bosses should undertake a risk assessment if enough staff complain about working conditions.
The independent health and safety regulator also said: “If a significant number of employees are complaining about thermal discomfort, your employer should carry out a risk assessment, and act on the results of that assessment.”
The HSE has previously suggested bosses should ensure their workers have access to water and monitor their wellbeing in hot weather.
What’s more, if a staff member is deemed vulnerable, such as those going through menopause or who are pregnant, this should be taken into account.
In this instance, vulnerable employees may need to work from home. But this is not possible for everyone, and so businesses may need to adapt.
Fans, relaxed dress codes, or turning up the air conditioning are all measures that can make the office environment more comfortable.
What are the temperature recommendations?
The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers has helpfully recommended the following temperatures for different areas of work.
- Heavy work in factories: 13°C
- Light work in factories: 16°C
- Hospital wards and shops: 18°C
- Offices and dining rooms: 20°C
If you have to take public transport, what are your rights?
Much like in the office, these are up for debate as each transport company can set its own policies, and so during a heatwave, there are no laws about temperatures.
Therefore, over the coming weeks, travellers are in for some pretty hot journeys.
And while Transport for London has said all Tubes will be air-conditioned by 2030, let’s not forget the extremely high temperatures Londoners face on the Tube, with commuters claiming they experienced conditions of 42C in 2018!
So until the time that commuting is not like walking into an oven, it is recommended that travellers take water bottles and, if possible, wear loose-fitting clothing which is cool and light.
Commuters who travel by car are also sharing tips to save money and stay cool when travelling. There are also easy ways to fight the heat at home with some “air con” hacks.
