Keeping Cool at Work: Tackling High Temperatures in the Workplace

Over the last few years, British summers have been getting hotter and hotter, making heat stress a real concern for workplaces that aren’t used to dealing with it.

Whether it’s a construction site baking in the sun, a busy factory floor without much ventilation, or even office staff struggling with poor airflow, managing heat risks is something every employer needs to take seriously.

Legal Responsibilities for Employers

Although guidance is offered for low temperatures, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) does not set a specific legal upper temperature limit for workplaces.

The HSE tells us that working in hot conditions can lead to everything from mild dehydration and headaches to serious heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.

It might sound like something that only happens abroad, but with UK temperatures climbing over 30°C more regularly, it’s very much a local issue now.

Legally, employers have a duty to keep staff safe:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Employers must ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees, including from heat-related hazards.
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: Risk assessments must cover any hazards, including excessive heat.
• Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992: Workplaces must have a “reasonable” temperature and provide drinking water – simple, but often overlooked.

The Impact and Risk of Excessive Heat in the Workplace

Not everyone is equally affected by the heat. Outdoor workers, or those doing physically demanding jobs, obviously feel it more. But it’s worth remembering that older staff, pregnant women, or people with health conditions might be more vulnerable too.

The tricky part is that signs of heat stress can start subtly – feeling dizzy, a headache, or feeling sick – but these symptoms can quickly get worse if ignored. I always encourage managers and workers alike to be alert to these symptoms and not push through when feeling unwell.

Practical Steps to Reduce Heat Risks

From what I’ve seen, some practical steps can make a big difference.

1. Conduct a risk assessment to spot who’s most at risk and when.
2. Schedule tough jobs for cooler parts of the day
3. Offer plenty of water breaks and create shady or cooler rest areas.
4. Improve ventilation by opening windows or using fans.
5. Allow appropriate clothing to suit to temperature.
6. Train staff to spot early signs of heat stress.
7. Encourage open communication.

Ignoring heat risks isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s dangerous. When people are overheated, their concentration drops, accidents happen, and overall morale can take a hit. With hot summers likely to be the new normal, it makes sense to get ahead of the problem.

Further Reading

HSE: Working in hot environments https://www.hse.gov.uk/index.htm

British Safety Council: Heat stress in the workplace https://www.britsafe.org/safety-management/2025/this-weather-isn-t-much-fun-if-you-re-stuck-in-an-overheated-workplace-heatwave-advice-for-employers

ACAS: Temperature in the workplace https://www.acas.org.uk/extreme-temperatures-in-the-workplace

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