Contrary to what some people think, Health & Safety Law does not state a minimum or maximum temperature in which a person can work because it isn’t possible to give a meaningful maximum figure due to the varied temperatures found in, for example, glass works or foundries, against air-conditioned offices.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, Regulation 7 deals specifically with the temperature in indoor workplaces and states that:-
‘During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.’
But surely, this is a case where, if a person is too hot they won’t be able to work to the level that they should and so it is in an employer’s own interests to look after staff.
Keeping people as cool as possible – if there is no fixed system of air conditioning, provide fans or portable air conditioners, use blinds or curtains to block out sunlight and consider flexible working outside of the main heat of the day. If there is a strict dress code, perhaps look at relaxing during hot periods.
Staff working outside should keep covered up (especially men should not remove their tops) and use sunscreen to protect from sunburn.
Stay hydrated – welfare law requires that employers provide staff with suitable drinking water and people should be encouraged to drink plenty throughout the day, not wait until they’re thirsty.
Providing other drinks, ice-creams or the like is also a good way of helping people keep cool and is always something that employees are grateful for.
I remember going into a large factory on during a hot spell and the MD was proud to say that he had gone round thanking people for helping the business have its best month. I asked if he also handed out cans of drinks or ice-creams. He looked very embarrassed and said that he hadn’t thought of doing that. Next day he did, and the reaction was as positive as the previous day’s was negative.
Little things can mean a lot!