Practical advice for employers during the heat wave

By KMC Human Resources

30 Jul 2018

Hot weather can be brilliant when you’ve got time off and are able to enjoy it. But having to go to work in high temperatures can be uncomfortable at least and depending on the type of working environment, can be almost unbearable.

With a further spell of hot weather forecast over the coming week, what do you need to bear in mind as an employer?

Keep an eye on the temperature

Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, employers are required to keep the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings at a ‘reasonable’ level.  In law, there is therefore not a specified maximum temperature that employers need to adhere to.

However, employers should be proactive in ensuring a ‘reasonable’ temperature is maintained in the workplace. There is no obligation to provide cooling devices such as air conditioning units or fans, but considering workers who get too hot will likely have lower productivity levels, it might make financial sense to buy or hire them. If there are other ways of reducing the temperature, such as opening windows or shutting blinds or curtains, then these should also be considered.

Ensuring staff have access to a regular supply of cool drinking water is sensible at any time of year, but especially during a heat wave.  If premises allow, how about setting up some outside seating in a shaded area where staff could enjoy rest breaks?  Or you might consider treating the team to ice-cream!

Travel considerations

Many employers forget that the time spent travelling to and from work is also covered by employment legislation. Public transport can be particularly hot and uncomfortable during heatwaves. Employers could consider encouraging car share schemes or allowing travel outside of core working hours when public transport is likely to be quieter.

Dress code

Although many employers have a dress code in place to ensure a professional or corporate image is maintained, certain items of clothing can further add to the effects of the heat. Jackets, trousers and ties can be particularly problematic and as such, an employer may decide to suspend their normal policy on company dress, especially on particularly hot days.

If an employer chooses to temporarily relax their dress code, they should give all employees advance notice in writing and still be specific about what is and is not acceptable.  Beware of discrimination too.

Even in hot weather, health and safety measures still need to be met, so depending on the type of workplace, it may not be possible to make changes to the workwear policy.

Be mindful of vulnerable workers

Where a company employs ‘vulnerable workers’, such as those with a disability, health concern or pregnant workers, any additional steps to counteract the hot temperatures should be considered. For example, additional rest breaks, providing fans and ensuring that ventilation is adequate, might be sensible allowances.

For more help or advice in relation to the heatwave, company dress codes or any other employment law matter, please contact us.

Latest news

1

University of Central Lancashire celebrates hat-trick of wins at Educate North Awards University of Central Lancashire winners at Educate North Award Winners 2025

University of Central Lancashire celebrates hat-trick of wins at Educate North Awards

04 Apr 2025

2

The Villa’s sister venue shuts its doors The Villa Levens and The VillaWrea Green (Image credit: The Villa Levens and The Villa Wrea Green)

The Villa’s sister venue shuts its doors

04 Apr 2025

3

PM urged not to retaliate over tariffs Manufacturing

PM urged not to retaliate over tariffs

03 Apr 2025

4

CMAC Group appoints Matthew Ratcliffe as chief operating officer Matthew Ratcliffe CMAC

CMAC Group appoints Matthew Ratcliffe as chief operating officer

03 Apr 2025

5

For sale signs at The Villa Villa Wrea Green has been brought to market (Image credit: The Villa Wrea Green)

For sale signs at The Villa

02 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Lancashire Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880395853-4862066883-1-original.20241022-091152-2.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
04 Apr 2025 - 04 Apr 2025

Lancashire Business Expo 2025

Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre, Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
24 Apr 2025 - 24 Apr 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

People Power: Exclusive Event Series
Stay ahead in 2025.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
29 Apr 2025 - 29 Apr 2025

People Power: Exclusive Event Series

People's History Museum, Manchester, M3 3ER

17:00 - 21:00

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships
30478 Skills Bootcamp open day setting.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships

University of Central Lancashire, Preston , PR1 2HE

14:30 - 15:30

Celebrating 50 years of KTP
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Celebrating 50 years of KTP

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

16:00 - 18:00

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase
13421_research_knowledge_exchange_2025_600x300.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
07 May 2025 - 08 May 2025

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin