Can I go home from work if it's too hot?
The law does not set any maximum temperature in the workplace, but says temperatures in indoor workplaces must be “reasonable”.
Claire Merrit, partner at Southampton law firm Paris Smith, said: “Employers have an obligation to keep employees safe in the workplace, however health and safety rules set no maximum temperature for the workplace. It is therefore for an employer to take steps to understand what is reasonable and reduce risk to staff.
“Unfortunately the problem is that different people react differently to heat. We are all used to the frequent workplace disputes around the temperature. There is always someone who is too hot and someone too cold.”
Tom Doherty, managing director of the HR Dept, which provides outsourced HR support in eastern Dorset and the New Forest, said: “Legally, there is no maximum working temperature – however, I think everyone should recognise that common sense should prevail when dealing with working in hot weather from all parties.
“All of this advice comes with the caveat that it needs to fit with the business and its operations too. Whether an employee is working inside or outside, relaxing the dress code, where appropriate, can help.
“Be flexible about working hours – start earlier and finish earlier. Consider not having people out in the sun during the hottest part of the day. Increase the opportunity for people working to have additional one-off breaks for refreshments. Ice lollies and cooling drinks always go down well.
“Have workers who operate outside, got adequate protection, such as hats, sunglasses, sun cream etc? Every working environment is going to be different, so finding some practical adjustment could help people cope a bit better."
Sally-Ann Hall Jones, chief executive of Hampshire-based Reality HR, said: “While it’s an urban myth that there is a legal ‘maximum temperature’ that a workplace should be, employers are obliged to make sure working conditions are reasonable.
“In many cases – particularly for employees who work outside, or in offices that suffer from a lack of air conditioning or poor ventilation – there are simple common sense steps that can be taken to ensure staff stay comfortable and safe.”
She said these could include relaxing the dress code, making sure air conditioning and fans are in good working order, ensuring adequate protection for people working outdoors, and making sure the water cooler is well stocked. Companies should consider vulnerable people such as older workers, pregnant women or those with disabilities, and should make sure first aiders were aware of those who might be vulnerable.
Some experts point out that treating employees well can encourage loyalty.
Bournemouth-based life coach Lesley Gorman said: “Such high temperatures are rare here so I think employers should let their staff work hours that are reduced as much as possible.
“Happy staff are the most productive so give them an extra day off to enjoy the beach.”
Helen Jamieson, managing director of Ringwood-based HR firm Jaluch, said: “In a nutshell, do whatever you can to make things more comfortable for your employees.
“Today, a few of my team are going to wear shorts after sweltering yesterday. Others are home working where they say it’s more comfortable. Earlier this week, I had a meeting outside where it was shaded and breezy. Different things for different people, I find, are the key to keeping people happy.”
Alex Drouet-Lewis, business manager with Bournemouth-based Streetwise HR, said: "A shop-floor worker with a physically demanding job who is required to wear PPE (personal protective equipment) is more likely to feel the affects of the higher temperatures than a sedentary worker behind a desk who has more flexibility with their work attire.
"We would recommended each environment is assessed and reasonably practicable steps are put in place, such as fans, regular breaks and or having water available. As with anything, there is always an element of common sense."