Temperatures are set to soar in Greater Manchester this week meaning we could officially enter another heatwave. The Met Office defines a heatwave as being "an extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions of the area at that time of year, which may be accompanied by high humidity."
Temperatures must exceed a set threshold above the average for the area on at least three consecutive days for heatwave conditions to be declared.
And this is a distinct possibility with forecasts saying it is likely to hit 28 degrees Celcius on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (August 11, 12 and 13).
READ MORE: Greater Manchester set to be hotter than the ALGARVE next week as temperatures soar
The Met Office says it does not expect records to be broken and that temperatures will be "well below" those seen in July's heatwave.
However, with the return of above-average temperatures, many workers may be wondering if it's too hot to work safely during this period.
According to the UK government agency, Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there's no law stating a maximum working temperature, or when it's too hot to work.
And during the July heatwave minister in charge of the government's emergency response, Kit Malthouse, played down calls for one to be introduced citing the difference in temperature between offices and blast-furnace facilities as a reason why a legal limit would be in his opinion unworkable.
Official guidance as it currently stands suggests a minimum working temperature of 16C, or 13C if employees are doing physical work.
Employers must stick to health and safety at work law though, which includes keeping the temperature at a comfortable level, sometimes known as thermal comfort, and providing clean and fresh air.
Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 gives workers the right to withdraw from and to refuse to return to a workplace that is "unsafe."
In some workplaces unseasonal extreme temperatures can be created by the work, such as in some manufacturing processes.
"These temperatures can lead to serious health effects if not managed effectively" the HSE says advising workers to "seek specific advice on temperature if you are working in very high or low temperatures, for example on heat stress, dehydration or cold stress."
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has revealed that it wants to make it illegal for workers to work indoors in temperatures above 30C and to enshrine protection for people working outside or driving.
“An employer must provide a working environment which is, as far as is reasonably practical, safe and without risks to health," the TUC explains.
"In addition, employers have to assess risks and introduce any necessary prevention or control measures."
The HSE says: "A meaningful maximum figure cannot be given due to the high temperatures found in, for example, glass works or foundries.
"The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 lay down particular requirements for most aspects of the working environment. Regulation 7 deals specifically with the temperature in indoor workplaces and states that:
"During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable. However, the application of the regulation depends on the nature of the workplace, such as a bakery, a cold store, an office, a warehouse.”
During the July heatwave, the TUC urged bosses to allow flexible working and to relax dress codes to keep staff safe and comfortable, and also recommended workers be allowed to take frequent breaks to help stay cool.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “While many of us love to see the sun, it’s no fun working in a baking office or a stifling factory. Bosses should do all they can to keep the temperature down.
“The easiest way for staff to keep cool inside is being able to work in more casual clothing. While shorts and vest tops may not be appropriate for all, nobody should be made to suffer in the heat for the sake of keeping up appearances.
“It's in bosses’ interests to provide a cool and comfortable work environment. Workers who are unable to dress down in lighter clothing, or who work in offices without air-conditioning, fans or drinking water, are going to be tired, and lack inspiration and creativity.”
READ NEXT:
Tiny island where just ten people live and the pub landlord is 'King'
The hidden 'mini Lake District' in Cheshire becoming a hit for staycations
Manchester's unique and quirky Airbnbs you can rent for a weekend break this summer
The Peak District town a short drive from Manchester that's the perfect place to get lost in nature
