Workplace Heat Safety: Keep Your Team Cool and Productive

As summer temperatures soar, workplace heat safety becomes a top priority for employers and HR teams. Whether your staff works in an office, warehouse, or outdoors, excessive heat can impact wellbeing, concentration, and productivity. Fortunately, with the right strategies—and by following guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)—you can create a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.

Why Workplace Heat Safety Matters

Excessive heat in the workplace can lead to discomfort, dehydration, and even heat stress, which poses serious health risks. According to the HSE, employers have a legal duty to ensure reasonable working temperatures and to take steps to protect employees from the effects of heat.

• Reasonable Temperature: Employers must ensure that the temperature in all indoor workplaces is “reasonable” during working hours
• Minimum Temperature: 16°C for sedentary work (e.g., office work), 13°C if the work involves rigorous physical effort
• No Maximum Temperature: There is no legally defined maximum temperature. However, employers are required to manage risks associated with excessive heat, as heat is considered a workplace hazard

Practical Tips for Managing Workplace Heat Safety

Here are key actions employers can take to improve workplace comfort during hot weather:

Control Indoor Temperatures:

• Maintain a minimum indoor temperature of 16°C (or 13°C for strenuous work).
• Use fans, air conditioning, or portable cooling units to regulate temperature.
• Ensure good ventilation by opening windows or using extractor fans.

Provide Hydration and Breaks:

• Offer access to cold drinking water throughout the day.
• Encourage regular hydration—water is better than caffeinated or sugary drinks.
• Allow frequent breaks in cooler areas to help employees recover from heat exposure.

Adjust Work Patterns:

• Introduce flexible working hours to avoid peak heat times.
• Rotate tasks to reduce prolonged exposure to hot environments.
• Allow remote work where possible during extreme heat.

Modify Dress Codes:

• Relax formal dress codes while maintaining safety standards.
• Ensure PPE is breathable and appropriate for hot conditions.

Shield from Sun and Heat Sources:

• Use blinds or reflective window films to block direct sunlight.
• Position workstations away from heat-emitting equipment or windows.
• Provide shaded areas for outdoor workers.

Outdoor Work Considerations

For those working outside, the HSE recommends:

• Scheduling demanding tasks for cooler parts of the day.
• Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing.
• Using sunscreen and providing shaded rest areas.

Recognising Heat Stress

Be alert to signs of heat stress, which include:

• Excessive sweating
• Dizziness or fainting
• Muscle cramps
• Headaches or nausea

If symptoms occur, move the person to a cool place, provide water, and seek medical attention if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Creating a comfortable workplace during hot weather isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety, productivity, and employee wellbeing. By following HSE guidance and implementing proactive measures, employers can ensure their teams stay cool, safe, and focused.

For more support on this or any other HR or recruitment topic, contact us for an initial chat

Resources:

https://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/employer/the-law.htm