Summer is on its way, and we’re hoping it’s going to be warm! But when does it get too hot for your employees to work and what are the rules around this? 

There is no actual law around maximum (or minimum) working temperatures – However, guidance suggests a minimum of 16ºC or 13ºC if employees are doing physical work. However, there’s no guidance for a maximum temperature limit – phew its getting in hot in here!  

That said, as an employer you have a responsibility to safeguard your employees’ wellbeing. 

If your employees regularly work outside, it’s worth including hot weather in your regular risk assessments. Risks include heat stress, sunstroke, dehydration and skin cancer.  

You could also look at; 

• Varying work hours, so that your employees are not required to be outside between 11am and 3pm, the hottest part of the day. 
• Consider whether they could start earlier, have a break in the middle of the day like many European countries do and then finish later in the day when it’s a bit cooler? 
• You could also reorganise tasks, so that outdoor tasks are done earlier or later in the day and any indoor tasks are saved for that hotter part of the day. 
• Could you provide canopies or other shading for your employees? 
• You could also provide sun cream and cool water for your team, and consider providing lightweight, long-sleeved clothing that will protect their skin while allowing heat to escape. 
• The provision of fresh water and free protective equipment – including sun cream – is a legal obligation for employers and this is definitely something to bear in mind.