Too Hot to Work?
What Employers Need to Know During a Heatwave
With temperatures recently climbing into the high 20s to mid 30s again and more hot weather on the way, many workplaces across the UK are feeling the heat - quite literally.
It’s a question we hear a lot during hot weather: is there a point where it becomes too hot to work?
The simple answer is no: there is currently no official maximum workplace temperature in UK law. However, that doesn’t mean employers can ignore rising temperatures. There are still clear legal responsibilities to keep staff safe and comfortable at work.
What does the law say?
Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, employers must ensure that workplace temperatures are “reasonable” during working hours.
While there are minimum temperature guidelines (generally 16°C for most workplaces), there’s no maximum limit. This is because working environments vary so much - what’s considered hot in an office may be completely normal in a kitchen, factory or workshop.
Instead of a fixed number, the focus is on whether conditions are safe, reasonable and properly managed.
Heat is still a health and safety risk
Even without a legal maximum temperature, employers have a duty to protect staff from risks to their health - and excessive heat absolutely falls into that category.
During a heatwave, employers should review their risk assessments and consider factors such as:
- Ventilation and airflow
- Direct sunlight and heat sources
- The type of work being carried out
- How long employees are exposed to the heat
- Clothing or PPE requirements
- Whether any staff may be more vulnerable
The key question isn’t “what temperature is it?” - it’s “are these working conditions safe?”
Practical steps employers can take
There are lots of simple, effective ways to reduce the impact of hot weather at work:
- Improving ventilation (opening windows, using fans or air conditioning)
- Using blinds or shading to limit direct sunlight
- Providing access to cool drinking water and encouraging hydration
- Allowing more frequent breaks, ideally in cooler areas
- Adjusting working hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day
- Relaxing dress codes where appropriate
- Supporting outdoor workers with shade, sunscreen and rest periods
Small changes can make a big difference to comfort, wellbeing and productivity.
Supporting vulnerable employees
Some individuals may be more affected by heat than others, including those with underlying health conditions, pregnant employees, older workers, or those required to wear heavy uniforms or PPE.
In these cases, employers should consider individual adjustments, such as:
- Flexible working hours
- Additional breaks
- Temporary changes to duties
- Remote working where possible
Open communication is key - encouraging staff to raise concerns early helps prevent more serious issues.
It’s not just about the office
Heatwave planning should also take into account employees working from home or travelling during extreme temperatures. A flexible, common-sense approach can help maintain both safety and productivity.
Final thoughts
While there may be no official maximum workplace temperature in the UK, employers are still responsible for ensuring that working conditions remain safe and reasonable.
Managing heat in the workplace isn’t just about legal compliance - it’s about looking after your people.
If you’d like advice on managing workplace policies or health and safety obligations, our team is always here to help.
