As summer begins to kick off, the Met Office has warned the UK will be hit by extremely high temperatures this Friday, with temperatures soaring to 30C in some areas.
In what will be considered the first heatwave of the year, Manchester is expected to see temperatures peak to 27C. While many will be excited to enjoy their time in the sweltering sun, others may find it uncomfortable to work in such conditions.
This is especially true if you are working either outdoors or in an office space with no air conditioning. With this in mind, many workers may be questioning how hot it has to get before it's too hot to work.
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We've broken down the official government guidance for working conditions during hot weather as well as the expert advice currently in place.
When is it too hot to work?
According to the UK government agency, Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there's no official law for maximum working temperature, or when it's too hot to work. But, the guidance does suggest a minimum temperature of 16C or 13C for employees engaging in physical work.
The TUC workers' union has urged employers to allow flexible working and relaxed dress codes for staff, as well as being allowed to take regular breaks to help them keep cool. There isn't an employment law for maximum working temperatures. But it is recommended that during working hours the temperature in all indoor workplaces must be "reasonable".
The TUC wants to make it illegal to keep people at work indoors if the temperature is above 30C and to have protection in place for people working outside or driving for a living too. Although that's not happened yet, there are rules that can let you leave an office that's too hot, just no official maximum temperature.
"An employer must provide a working environment which is, as far as is reasonably practical, safe and without risks to health. In addition, employers have to assess risks and introduce any necessary prevention or control measures," the TUC explains.
There are also health and safety considerations that employers must legally adhere to. For example, high temperatures must be controlled to a comfortable level, sometimes known as thermal comfort, while also providing clean and fresh air.
Tips to keep cool at work
Fortunately, some tips and tricks have been provided by HSE to improve thermal comfort in the workplace. These include:
- 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 (if available) to cut down on the heating effects of the sun
- in warm situations, drink plenty of water (avoid caffeinated or carbonated drinks)
- if possible, work away from direct sunlight or sources of radiant heat
- take regular breaks to cool down in warm situations and heat up in cold situations
- raise the issue with your managers or, if you can, with your union or other workplace representatives
Employers should also ensure that windows are kept open wherever possible, implement fans, or maintain air conditioning. HSE also suggest changing work patterns to limit exposure to high temperatures, such as early or late starts to shifts.
A formal dress code is also recommended so employers in offices don't have to bake in a suit. It also recommends moving workstations away from direct sunlight.
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