How to handle summer heatwaves? Tips for employers

All employers are under a general duty under Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to provide a safe working environment. This includes working at safe temperatures. 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.

What is safe?

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”.

Heatwave measures for employers

If you don’t already have one, a warm weather risk assessment should be carried out and maintained. 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 measures: providing fans, optimising ventilation, and allowing 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) who need shade, sun protection, hydration.
• Pregnant employees, who may be more vulnerable to overheating.
• Disabled employees, for whom 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’s 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.

Further reading

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 – legislation.gov.uk
• The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 – legislation.gov.uk