The Workers Union has renewed its long-standing call to introduce legally enforceable maximum workplace temperatures as parts of the UK face soaring temperatures and a Heat Health Alert remains in force.
The warning comes as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) urges employers across the country to take immediate action to protect workers from the dangers associated with extreme heat.
For several years, The Workers Union has campaigned for stronger legal protections relating to workplace temperatures, highlighting concerns that existing legislation does not go far enough to safeguard workers during periods of extreme heat. Through its ongoing awareness campaign and public events programme, The Workers Union has repeatedly called for a legal upper temperature limit to be introduced for UK workplaces.
While employers currently have a legal duty to assess and manage workplace risks, there remains no specific maximum temperature at which work must stop. Heat is recognised as a workplace hazard, but campaigners argue that stronger legislation is now needed as hotter summers become increasingly common.
The HSE has warned that both indoor and outdoor workers can be affected by excessive temperatures. Construction workers, warehouse employees, manufacturing staff, delivery drivers, transport workers, healthcare professionals and office-based employees can all face increased risks when temperatures rise.
According to the regulator, employers should be taking practical steps now to reduce the risks posed by extreme heat. Measures include improving ventilation, providing shade, supplying free drinking water, adjusting working hours where possible and ensuring workers have adequate opportunities to rest and cool down.
Jonathan Morgan of The Workers Union said:
“Once again, we find ourselves discussing the dangers posed by extreme temperatures in the workplace. The Workers Union has consistently highlighted the need for serious legislative reform in this area.
“For several years we have campaigned for the introduction of a legal maximum workplace temperature. Workers should not be expected to carry out physically demanding duties in scorching conditions without clear legal protections.
“Every summer we hear the same concerns from workers across multiple sectors. Construction workers, warehouse staff, drivers, manufacturing employees and many others are telling us that excessive heat is making their jobs increasingly difficult and, in some cases, dangerous.
“Employers must act now to protect their workforce. However, we also believe the time has come for Government to review the current legislation and introduce meaningful temperature limits that provide certainty for both employers and workers.”
The HSE’s Deputy Director for Technical Support and Engagement, John Rowe, said last summer should have acted as a wake-up call for employers and warned that hotter summers could have significant implications for worker health and productivity.
The regulator is encouraging employers to discuss heat-related risks directly with workers and implement sensible control measures before temperatures climb further.
Recommended actions include:
- Providing free access to drinking water.
- Allowing additional rest breaks in cooler or shaded areas.
- Improving workplace ventilation.
- Using blinds or reflective window coverings where appropriate.
- Moving workstations away from direct sunlight.
- Relaxing workplace dress codes where possible.
- Providing suitable weather-appropriate PPE.
- Adjusting shift patterns to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
- Educating workers on recognising the symptoms of heat stress.
Heat stress can lead to dehydration, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, reduced concentration and, in severe cases, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. For workers operating machinery, driving vehicles or carrying out safety-critical tasks, the consequences can be particularly serious.
The Workers Union is encouraging all employers to review their heat management plans immediately and take practical action to ensure workers remain safe throughout the current spell of hot weather.
