While we’re all glad to see the sunshine… it can make work a bit tougher!
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (NI) 1993 states that employers must ensure the temperature in all workplaces, inside buildings is “reasonable” during working hours. This means providing reasonable comfort without the need for special clothing. What is “reasonable” will obviously be subjective and depend on individual comfort, as well as the nature of the workplace and work activities. The Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) says that workrooms should normally be 16 degrees Celsius for most types of work, and at least 13 degrees Celsius for work involving considerable physical effort. For most kinds of work the acceptable range of thermal comfort is between 16 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius.
What employers can do in the workplace
Where the workplace temperature is likely to be hot, employers should consider some of the following measures:
- Reschedule work to cooler times of the day;
- Provide more frequent rest breaks and introduce shading to rest areas;
- Provide free access to cool drinking water;
- Introduce shading in areas where individuals are working;
- Personal protective equipment should be specially designed for work in hot environments. e.g. light-coloured loose fitting/absorbent over clothing. If the over-clothing has to be impermeable e.g. to protect against chemicals consideration should be given to the need for means of cooling.
- Encourage the removal of personal protective equipment when resting to help encourage heat loss;
- Educate workers about recognising the early symptoms of heat stress. Working in the Sun Turning to outdoor work we would like to remind members and reps that hot weather brings additional dangers to the construction industry and members out on site visits. It is essential that employers ensure sites are safe and proper facilities are provided during hot weather working. If workers do not believe their site is safe, they should stop work immediately until problems are resolved. Extra risk assessments should be carried out during extreme weather, to make sure that workers’ health and safety are not put at risk. NHS has produced guidance on recognising the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, how to spot dehydration, how you can cool someone down and importantly how to prevent over exposure to excessive heat.
Here are some things you can do to make your workplace temperature more comfortable
- Add or remove layers of clothing, depending on how hot or cold you are
- Use a desk or pedestal fan to increase air movement
- Use window blinds to reduce the heating effects of the sun
- If you are too warm drink plenty of water (avoid caffeinated or carbonated drinks)
- If possible, work away from direct sunlight or sources of heat, such as machinery
- Take regular breaks to cool down in hot conditions or heat up in cold ones
If you have any issue with the temperature, you should report this to your manager, or your union or workplace representative if you have one.
Sign the Petition for Maximum Workplace Temperatures
Right now, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is updating its guidance - but there’s still no legal maximum temperature to protect people working in extreme heat.
Every summer, rising temperatures put workers at risk of dehydration, dizziness, and serious illness and around 4,500 people develop skin cancer each year from outdoor work.
This can’t be ignored.
We’re calling for clear rules so employers must act when temperatures rise - starting at 24°C, as recommended for safe and comfortable working.
✅ Protect workers’ health
✅ Prevent heat-related illness
✅ Hold employers accountable
Add your name and help push for change: SIgn Now
Useful resources
Need more help?
Speak to your local NIPSA Branch Representative if you have concerns about your workplace conditions.