Last week was another scorcher and one for the UK weather records, with temperatures rising above 38 degrees. As ever, this has re-sparked the debate regarding heat and if there should be a maximum temperature to stop work.
Currently, the UK has no fixed, maximum temperature to allow employees the right to stop work. However, employers are expected to make reasonable adjustments and conduct risk assessments to reduce the heat pressures.
With most debates, there is no straightforward answer that would cover and suit every workplace the same. Different jobs place different physical demands on workers, and conditions can vary significantly between workplaces. For example, someone working in an air-conditioned office faces very different challenges from a construction worker. As a result, introducing a single maximum temperature would be difficult to apply fairly across all sectors.
What we do know is that we are continuing to face hotter summers and experience extreme weather patterns which ultimately is going to impact the workforce in the UK.
Where employers go wrong
Whilst there is no legal temperature and formal ruling to comply with, this does not mean employers are free to ignore the risks posed by extreme heat. They are still expected to take reasonable precautions to protect their workforce. As always, employers have a duty of care to their employees, especially those who are vulnerable. Furthermore, the law still requires employers to assess heat risks properly and act accordingly to minimise them. If you don’t, you risk facing legal claims such as negligence or breach of duty of care through a failure to provide a safe, operating place of work.
What to do
Increasing heat pressures do not just affect comfort. Other areas such as performance, productivity, attendance and wellbeing are just some of the other areas which decline in response to extreme heat. Some top tips from us:
- Provide flexibility and temporary adjustments
- Encourage additional breaks
- Monitor workplace temperatures and providing cooling facilities / ventilation
- Provide cool drinks and shelter
We have already supported clients with making the right reasonable adjustments to their workplaces, to ensure smooth operations with minimal disruption, whilst also keeping their employees safe.
If you are unsure how to manage the risks associated with hot weather or want to explore heat policies, get in touch with us at lucy@mcmillanandassociateshr.com.