Do I Have To Work In This Heat?

Written by Leah Waller
Senior Employment Consultant Solicitor

With the UK set to see possibly the HOTTEST DAY EVER, we answer the burning question…

Do I have to work in this heat, or can I refuse?

 

I am sure you have all seen the weather warnings for Monday and Tuesday of next week with Amber Warnings across most of the UK and even RED warnings in some areas such as Oxfordshire.

 

We have looked at this before, and this is a question we are asked pretty much every year when we get those few days of scorching heat in the UK!

As an employer you will have different responsibilities in relation to the working environment, depending if your staff work outdoors or inside.

 

Where your staff work inside, as an employer you must:

• Ensure a reasonable working temperature. This will usually be at least 16°C, but will be 13°C for strenuous work, unless there are other laws that state lower temperatures.
• Ensure there is local heating or cooling equipment so a comfortable temperature can be achieved. This can be through the use of fans, opening windows, radiators, heaters etc.
• Provide thermal clothing and rest facilities, particularly necessary where ‘hot work’ or cold stores are in use.
• Ensure that heating systems are not producing any dangerous or offensive levels of fumes into the workplace.
• Provide sufficient space within each of the rooms in the workspace.

 

 

Here are some things you may want to consider, as an employer, in the high temperatures:

• Provide staff with fans.
• Opening windows or allowing windows to be opened where staff would like.
• Ensure that staff are shaded from direct sunlight; using blings or reflective film on windows and/or moving desks and workstations away from windows and other areas that get direct sunlight.
• Allow a more relaxed dress code, HOWEVER, ensure that any PPE is still worn as required.
• Allow sufficient breaks so that staff can cool down and get cold drinks.
• Provide facilities such as water dispensers.
• Allow a more flexible work pattern.
• Installing an air conditioning unit (temporary or permanent).

 

So, in answer to your burning question…

Yes, you still have to work, as long as your employer is adhering to their Health & Safety obligations!

 

We act for BOTH Employers and Employees and so, if there is anything you require assistance with, our Employment Department at Greystone Solicitors offer a FREE initial consultation and are more than happy to help.

 

Call us on 01582 343453 or email on Info@GreystoneSolicitors.co.uk