Working in Hot Conditions: A Quick Guide

As the UK tops 40°C for the first time ever on record, more and more people are searching how extreme heat may impact their work life and safety. 

Unsurprisingly, the average monthly volume for search terms like ‘working in hot conditions’ and ‘hot weather work’ has increased by over 1,000% (three-month change). 

According to Science Focus, extreme weather will become more common in the future due to climate change, with heatwaves becoming hotter and longer.

From workplace legislation to top tips for keeping cool, we’ve put together a practical guide to help you navigate heat stress in the workplace.

What Does the Law Say: Can I Work in Hot Temperatures?

There isn’t a law for maximum working temperatures in the UK. However, employers have a duty to ensure that indoor workplace temperatures are reasonable.

Where appropriate controls are put in place, it is still possible to work safely in hotter conditions. This is why there isn’t a maximum temperature limit.

For many workers, working in hotter temperatures is a year-long concern. This is the case for those who work in smelting operations, boiler rooms or bakeries, for instance. For others, heat stress is a more seasonal issue. 

The Health and Safety Executive has recently published an article on employees’ rights at work in hot conditions. You can read it here.

Regulation 7 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 mentions that “’During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable”. 

As such, employers must implement the necessary controls to reduce or remove the risks of heat stress. 

Exposure to heat can lead to an inability to focus, heat rashes, severe thirst, fainting and even more serious consequences like heat exhaustion and heat strokes.

Where there is the possibility of heat stress, employers should carry out a risk assessment which takes into account working climate, worker rate, worker’s clothing and respiratory protective equipment, and worker’s age, build and medical factors.

Risk assessments should highlight existing and potential risks as well as control measures to effectively reduce or eliminate them if possible.

Please note that it’s particularly important to monitor the health of workers at risk, in particular those that may be more vulnerable and have a lower tolerance to heat.

Tips for Keeping Cool While Working in Hot Conditions

There are a few steps you can take to help you cope with working in hot conditions, including:

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Wear breathable, lightweight clothing if possible
• Keep the blinds/curtains drawn
• Change the hours you work (e.g., start earlier & finish earlier)
• Take regular breaks in cooler places

If you’re working outdoors, you may want to consider wearing hi-vis clothing as this reflects heat. During a heatwave, you should avoid being out in the sun between 11am-3pm if possible. 

If you are concerned about heat stress, make sure to raise your concerns with your manager. 

As an employer, you should look to establish a positive Health & Safety culture within the workplace. This involves establishing good communications between all employees and encourage health & safety to be a part of everyday conversations.

Summary: Work & Hot Weather

If you’re wondering if it’s ever too hot to work, the answer is no, as there is no maximum legal temperature for work. However, employers have a duty to ensure that temperatures are reasonable. 

Heat stress can have many consequences, which is why it’s so important to prevent it. From drinking plenty of water to changing the hours you work, there are several steps that can be taken to reduce exposure to heat. 

If you have any further questions regarding temperatures at work, make sure to check out the Health & Safety Executive’s website.

Here at Complete Safety Supplies, we pride ourselves on providing helpful safety advice along with high-quality safety products. Whether you’re after Hygiena ATP swabs, protective footwear, or disposable overshoes, we can help. 

References

Heat stress in the workplace, A brief guide, Health & Safety Executive, Accessed in July 2022

Temperature guide, Health & Safety Executive, Accessed in July 2022