[UK] Working from home rules during the heatwave

With temperatures rising in the UK, many employees are wondering if it can ever get so hot in the workplace that they are allowed to go home, Swindon Advertiser reports.

In fact, the law does not set any maximum temperature in the workplace but says temperatures in indoor workplaces must be “reasonable”.

However, employers that believe happy staff are more productive might want to consider going further than the law requires.

Claire Merrit - partner at Southampton law firm Paris Smith - told Swindon Advertiser, “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.”

Ms Merrit added, “Steps that can be taken to minimise the impact of heat can be to relax dress codes, providing fans and, of course, ensuring air conditioning is well maintained.

"You could change rest breaks and provide shade if working outside. Some employers also take the opportunity to reward staff with ice creams or cold drinks, which can raise morale and keep employees motivated.

“I am afraid staff cannot go home due to heat unless authorised by their employer to do so, but they certainly should raise any concerns with their managers.

"Managers should look into any concerns carefully. If staff are feeling ill, then this needs to be treated as any other sickness absence.”

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.”

Ms Hall Jones said these steps could include relaxing the dress code, ensuring air conditioning and fans are in good working order, providing adequate protection for people working outdoors, and making sure the water cooler is well stocked. Companies should be considerate of vulnerable people such as older workers, pregnant women or those with disabilities and should make sure first aiders are aware of those who might be vulnerable.

Source: Swindon Advertiser

(Quotes via original reporting)

With temperatures rising in the UK, many employees are wondering if it can ever get so hot in the workplace that they are allowed to go home, Swindon Advertiser reports.

In fact, the law does not set any maximum temperature in the workplace but says temperatures in indoor workplaces must be “reasonable”.

However, employers that believe happy staff are more productive might want to consider going further than the law requires.

Claire Merrit - partner at Southampton law firm Paris Smith - told Swindon Advertiser, “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.”

Ms Merrit added, “Steps that can be taken to minimise the impact of heat can be to relax dress codes, providing fans and, of course, ensuring air conditioning is well maintained.

"You could change rest breaks and provide shade if working outside. Some employers also take the opportunity to reward staff with ice creams or cold drinks, which can raise morale and keep employees motivated.

“I am afraid staff cannot go home due to heat unless authorised by their employer to do so, but they certainly should raise any concerns with their managers.

"Managers should look into any concerns carefully. If staff are feeling ill, then this needs to be treated as any other sickness absence.”

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.”

Ms Hall Jones said these steps could include relaxing the dress code, ensuring air conditioning and fans are in good working order, providing adequate protection for people working outdoors, and making sure the water cooler is well stocked. Companies should be considerate of vulnerable people such as older workers, pregnant women or those with disabilities and should make sure first aiders are aware of those who might be vulnerable.

Source: Swindon Advertiser

(Quotes via original reporting)