### Employers Urged to Safeguard Staff Amid Soaring UK Temperatures
As Wales and the wider UK face sweltering temperatures, concerns have grown over the impact of heatwaves on working conditions. With climate patterns bringing successive heatwaves in recent years, experts are reminding employers of their responsibilities to protect workers’ health and wellbeing.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), workplaces must maintain conditions that offer what they term “reasonable comfort” for employees. While there is no set maximum temperature for work stipulated by UK law, employers are legally bound to assess risks and put measures in place to address excessive heat. This duty of care applies not just to office workers, but to all staff, including those working from home.
Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at High Speed Training, has highlighted the unique challenges the current heat presents. Speaking recently, Dr Anderson said: “The demands of working through a heatwave can be considerable, especially for those in environments without air conditioning or sufficient ventilation.” He noted that the obligations of employers do not stop at the threshold of the office—those working remotely also fall under health and safety considerations.
Measures that employers can take to reduce discomfort include supplying fans, providing advice on keeping workspaces cool—such as drawing curtains on sun-facing windows—and encouraging regular breaks for hydration. “For home workers struggling despite these steps, additional arrangements may need to be considered,” Dr Anderson advised, suggesting, for instance, temporary relocation to a cooler, perhaps air-conditioned, facility.
While the question often arises as to whether it can ever be “too hot to work” in Britain, the reality is that the legal framework references “reasonable comfort”—a standard that varies according to circumstances of the workplace. Employers are required to carry out risk assessments that consider environmental factors like humidity, airflow, and physical exertion. In safety-critical jobs, the stakes are especially high, as heat stress can pose significant hazards.
The repercussions of insufficient action during high temperatures can be severe. Not only can productivity decline as concentration levels slip, but the risk of health issues such as dehydration, dizziness, and even heatstroke increases. Protecting employee welfare, therefore, is not just a matter of compliance but essential for ensuring consistent business operations.
There are practical steps employers can follow to help their teams stay cool and productive. If feasible, the installation and upkeep of air conditioning systems is an effective measure, though not possible in every setting. Relaxing dress codes—allowing lighter apparel in place of formal wear—can go a long way towards making the day more bearable. Supplying cold water, ice, and even chilled refreshments helps keep everyone hydrated and refreshed.
Additionally, portable fans and mobile cooling units can provide spot relief, and moving desks away from direct sunlight or installing blinds will lessen the impact of the sun. Switching to flexible working hours, so people can start earlier or finish later, capitalises on the cooler parts of the day. Where appropriate, easing attendance policies so that staff may work from home when it outweighs being in a hot office environment should also be considered.
Finally, experts advise extra vigilance for staff who may be more susceptible to heat. Elderly workers, pregnant employees, and those on particular medications may require additional breaks or cooler working conditions as a matter of necessity, not just comfort.
The evolving British climate is likely to mean these questions will persist. Ensuring that policies are up-to-date and taking a proactive approach to worker welfare is crucial, making the summer months safer and more comfortable for all.