Swindon & Wiltshire News
Heatwaves bring legal responsibilities for employers, safety expert warns
Employers across the South West are being reminded that rising temperatures bring important health and safety responsibilities, with businesses required to assess and manage the risks associated with hot weather in the workplace.
Andrew Wilkinson, founder of Secure Safety Solutions in Swindon, is urging employers not to underestimate the impact of high temperatures on workers, particularly as summer temperatures continue to rise across the UK.
“While there is no legal maximum workplace temperature in the UK, employers have a duty under health and safety legislation to protect workers from heat-related risks,” said Andrew.
“The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations require employers to provide a reasonable indoor temperature, while the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations require businesses to assess workplace risks and put suitable controls in place.”
For construction companies, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations require reasonable temperatures in indoor working areas and appropriate protection from adverse weather for those working outdoors. Site welfare facilities must also be maintained at a suitable temperature.
“Many employers are surprised to learn that there is no maximum legal workplace temperature in the UK,” said Andrew who is a health and safety expert with 20 years’ experience.
“However, that does not mean businesses can ignore the issue. Heat is recognised as a workplace hazard just like any other risk, and employers have a legal duty to assess it and take reasonable steps to protect staff.”
High temperatures can affect concentration, increase fatigue and lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and, in extreme cases, heat stroke. Workers in physically demanding roles, outdoor environments, warehouses, kitchens and factories can be particularly vulnerable during heatwaves.
Andrew advises businesses to carry out heat-related risk assessments and consult employees on practical measures that can help reduce the effects of high temperatures. These might include increasing access to drinking water, introducing additional rest breaks, improving ventilation, adjusting working hours and providing shaded areas for outdoor workers.
“Heat stress can develop quickly and often goes unnoticed until someone becomes unwell,” Andrew said. “Simple measures such as encouraging hydration, rotating physically demanding tasks and allowing more frequent breaks can make a significant difference. Employers should also ensure managers understand the signs and symptoms of heat stroke so that intervention can happen early.”
Symptoms of heat stroke can include:
- confusion, slurred speech.
- hot, red, dry skin and changes in ‘normal’ sweating.
- racing heart beat or shallow breathing.
- headaches, dizziness.
- nausea and/or vomiting.
The Health and Safety Executive’s Approved Code of Practice suggests a minimum workplace temperature of 16°C for indoor work, or 13°C where the work involves rigorous physical effort.
However, when temperatures rise significantly, employers must determine what is reasonable based on the nature of the work, the environment and the needs of their workforce.
Andrew believes employers who take a proactive approach not only reduce legal risks but also improve productivity and staff wellbeing.
“Businesses that look after their people tend to see better morale, lower absenteeism and improved performance,” he said. “As periods of extreme weather become more common, organisations need to think about heat management as part of their overall health and safety strategy rather than something that only becomes important during a heatwave.”
