The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has provided a new update on potential changes to workplace temperature rules as the UK braces for temperatures reaching 35°C in some areas. Sir Stephen Timms, responding to parliamentary questions, confirmed that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is consulting on proposed changes to the Approved Code of Practice for the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, including those relating to workplace temperature.
Heatwave Forecast and Workplace Concerns
The Met Office has forecast soaring temperatures from Wednesday, with parts of southern England expected to reach 33°C on Wednesday and 34°C on Thursday. Isolated areas could hit 35°C on Friday and Saturday. By the weekend, warm air will spread to northern parts, bringing increased humidity and a risk of thunderstorms.
The repeated occurrence of extreme heat in the UK has prompted calls for a mandated upper temperature limit for workplaces, similar to regulations in many other countries. Labour MP Dr Peter Prinsley asked Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden to assess the merits of such a limit, including for outdoor workers. Labour MP Alex Mayer also inquired about the impact of heatwaves on outdoor and high-temperature workplaces.
HSE Consultation and Employer Duties
In his reply, Sir Stephen Timms stated: “The HSE is Great Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. There is a legal duty for employers to fully assess the risks to workers from extreme heat. HSE provides guidance for employers to manage the risk to workers, including from extreme heat. HSE issued a press release on Friday 19 June to raise awareness of the risks to workers, to help workplaces in the current hot weather. This year, HSE will also be launching a public consultation on proposed changes to the Approved Code of Practice for the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, including those relating to workplace temperature.”
During last month’s heatwave, the HSE urged employers to “act now” to protect workers. While there is no legal maximum temperature for workplaces, heat is classified as a hazard and must be treated as such. John Rowe, Deputy Director for Technical Support and Engagement at HSE, said: “Last summer should have been a wake-up call for all employers. If we continue to experience hotter summers this could have a big impact on the workforce of this country, affecting everything from health of workers to productivity on construction sites. The risks to workers from extreme heat must be properly assessed. Practical steps can include providing adequate ventilation and shade and allowing enough breaks for workers to cool down.”
Simple Measures for Employers
The HSE recommends simple, low-cost measures to protect workers during heatwaves, including:
- Ensuring workplace windows can be opened or closed to prevent hot air from circulating or building up.
- Using blinds or reflective film on windows to shade workers from the sun.
- Placing workstations away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Insulating hot pipes and machinery.
- Offering flexible working patterns so workers can work at cooler times of the day.
- Providing free access to drinking water.
- Relaxing dress codes if possible.
- Providing weather-appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Encouraging workers to remove PPE when resting in shaded areas to cool off.
- Sharing information about symptoms of heat stress and what to do if someone is affected.
The HSE consultation on the Approved Code of Practice is expected later this year, with potential changes to workplace temperature regulations. Employers are advised to prepare for extreme heat now to ensure worker safety and maintain productivity.
