Heatwave happening here's your Questions Answered

As temperatures continue to rise across the country each summer, employers are increasingly asking the same question: what are our legal responsibilities when the workplace gets too hot?

Unlike many people believe, there isn't a legal maximum workplace temperature in the UK. However, that doesn't mean employers can ignore the risks.

In this blog our experts answer some of the most common questions our clients have asked this week as temperatures have been in the 30 degrees each day.

Is there a legal maximum temperature for workplaces in the UK?

No.

There is currently no legal maximum working temperature in UK law. This often surprises both employers and employees.

Instead, employers have a legal duty to ensure workplace temperatures are "reasonable" and that staff are protected from risks to their health and safety. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) makes it clear that every workplace is different, so a single maximum temperature wouldn't be practical across all industries.

What legislation applies?

Several pieces of legislation place responsibilities on employers:

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 – employers must protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, so far as is reasonably practicable.

• Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 – indoor workplaces must be maintained at a reasonable temperature during working hours.

• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 – employers must carry out suitable risk assessments, including risks posed by excessive heat.

Does the law say what "reasonable" means?

Not exactly.

A reasonable temperature depends on factors such as:

• the type of work being carried out

• physical exertion involved

• humidity

• ventilation

• whether employees wear PPE or uniforms

• whether work is indoors or outdoors

For example, an office environment and a commercial kitchen present very different heat risks.

The HSE recommends considering "thermal comfort" rather than relying on air temperature alone.

What should employers do during hot weather?

Employers should review their workplace risk assessment and introduce sensible control measures where necessary.

These could include:

• providing fans or air conditioning where possible

• increasing ventilation

• allowing more frequent rest breaks

• providing free drinking water that's chilled

• relaxing dress codes where appropriate

• moving physically demanding work to cooler parts of the day

• allowing flexible or remote working where practical

• monitoring vulnerable employees more closely

The appropriate measures will depend on the nature of the business and the risks identified.

What about employees working outside?

Outdoor workers often face greater risks during periods of extreme heat.

Construction workers, landscapers, delivery drivers and others working outdoors may be exposed to:

• dehydration

• heat exhaustion

• heat stroke

• sunburn

• reduced concentration

• increased accident risk

Employers should consider providing shaded rest areas, adjusting working hours, ensuring regular hydration breaks and monitoring weather warnings.

Can employees refuse to work if it's too hot?

Not automatically.

There is no legal temperature at which employees can simply stop working or go home.

However, if an employee reasonably believes there is a serious and imminent danger to their health or safety, employment law provides certain protections. In practice, most issues are best resolved by discussing concerns with managers and reviewing the workplace risk assessment.

Are some employees at greater risk?

Yes.

Extra consideration should be given to employees who are:

• pregnant

• living with certain medical conditions

• taking medication that affects heat tolerance

• older workers

• required to wear heavy PPE

• carrying out physically demanding work

Employers may also need to consider reasonable adjustments where required under equality legislation.

Is the law likely to change?

Calls for a legal maximum workplace temperature have grown in recent years, particularly during periods of extreme summer heat.

Trade unions have proposed maximum temperatures of 30°C for most indoor workplaces and 27°C for physically demanding work, but these are not currently law.

The UK Government has not introduced a statutory upper temperature limit, although the issue continues to attract attention during heatwaves.

How can Hello People Solutions help?

Managing hot weather isn't just about complying with health and safety legislation—it's about protecting your people and maintaining productivity.

At Hello People Solutions, we help employers:

• review workplace policies

• update risk assessments

• support managers with practical guidance

• advise on employee wellbeing

• navigate complex HR situations confidently

If you're unsure whether your business is prepared for the next heatwave, we're here to help.Need HR advice?

Need HR advice?

Whether you need support with health and safety responsibilities, absence management or workplace policies, the team at Hello People Solutions can provide practical, commercially focused HR advice tailored to your business.