We often get questions about workplace temperature and what to do when things aren't right. In this article we'll discuss these questions and more to help ensure you can work in comfort, no matter the weather.
There’s no legal maximum temperature set in law, but the guidance from the Workplace Regulations 1992 says that ‘during working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable’. But what is reasonable?
The Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers recommends a good working temperature for an office is 20°C. And the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 say that employers should make suitable assessments of the risks to the health and safety of employees and take action where necessary or reasonably practicable.
When it comes to a minimum temperature, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) guidance suggests the workplace should normally be at least 16 degrees Celsius.
Working in excessive heat is not only uncomfortable but can lead to an increase in accidents and injuries. If your workplace is too hot to work effectively, you could ask management to do the following:
The TUC are campaigning for a maximum working temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. We agree!
If your workplace is too cold to work effectively, you could ask management to do the following:
If you’re struggling to get to work and you’re not sure what to do, take a look at your employer’s guidelines.
If you’ve done all you can to make it into work and talked to your line manager about your situation, then you should still be paid. Your employer can ask you to work some time back in exceptional circumstances where there’s an urgent business need.
If you follow the guidelines and think your manager is being unreasonable, please get in touch with your local Accord officer.
If your management don’t listen or fail to act, contact you local Accord officer for advice.
You can also chat to us online or call and speak to our duty officer on 0118 934 1808.
If you want to keep an eye on the temperature in your workplace, you can order one of our branded temperature gauge cards. Please send your request to: [email protected] - include your name and full workplace address.
There is further information and guidance available from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and some useful resources from the TUC: