When it’s as hot as it is right now, it’s natural to wonder: Is it ever too hot to work? The short answer is not officially. But that doesn’t mean your employer doesn’t have a legal duty to protect you from heat-related risks.

What Does the Law Say?

In the UK, there is no legally defined maximum working temperature. However, under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers are required to maintain a safe working environment and that includes managing the risks of excessive heat.

There is a minimum temperature for indoor workplaces:

• 16°C for general work

• 13°C for physically demanding work

According to the HSE’s thermal comfort guidance, employers must:
✔ Provide clean, fresh air
✔ Assess the risk of working in hot temperatures
✔ Take steps to ensure the workplace is reasonably comfortable

⚠️ Heat + Physical Work = Risk of Heat Stress

Working in high temperatures, especially during physical activity, can increase the risk of heat stress which is a potentially dangerous condition.

Common symptoms include:

• Inability to concentrate

• Muscle cramps

• Heat rash

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Fainting

• Heat stroke (a medical emergency)

If a colleague is showing signs of heat stress:

1. Move them to a cooler area

2. Loosen or remove clothing

3. Give them cool water (not icy cold)

4. Use fans or cool cloths on the skin

5. Call 999 immediately if they:

   • Are confused or unresponsive

   • Have hot, dry skin

   • Experience convulsions

Practical Tips for Employers and Teams

• Stay alert for signs of heat-related illness in yourself and others

• Encourage a culture where it’s OK to speak up about discomfort

• Ensure first aiders are trained to handle heat emergencies

• Adjust work patterns where possible e.g., more breaks, cooler hours

• Raise concerns with management if working conditions feel unsafe

Want to Learn Life-Saving First Aid?

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Read more about workplace temperature responsibilities at the official HSE page:
👉 HSE: Temperature in the Workplace