Home / Health / UK Employers Face Heatwave Hazard Rules
UK Employers Face Heatwave Hazard Rules
22 Jun
Summary
- Employers must ensure a safe working environment, including protection from heat.
- No legal maximum workplace temperature exists in the UK currently.
- Workers can refuse unsafe work due to serious health risks.
Extreme heat warnings are in effect across the UK, with temperatures potentially exceeding 38C. This poses significant risks to health and social care services, and an increased mortality rate is anticipated, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure a safe working environment. This includes protecting employees from weather-related hazards like excessive heat. Reasonable steps involve providing high-temperature PPE, performing thorough risk assessments, and training staff to recognise heat exhaustion symptoms.
Furthermore, employers must offer sheltered break areas for cooling down and ensure adequate first aid resources are available. While there is no current legal maximum workplace temperature in the UK, employees have the right to refuse work if conditions pose a serious health and safety risk, as per the Employment Rights Act 1966. Trade union support is available for those feeling unsafe.
