Getting hot under the collar at work? Here are a few legal rules on working in hot weather

If you can recall the prolonged (and unexpected) heatwave we all endured back in June 2018, you'll probably remember how uncomfortable working in such hot and humid weather made you feel.

From office workers to those melting in commercial kitchens, the UK was less than prepared for such hot weather, and many staff were sent home suffering from effects caused by stuffy and humid air,

For the rest of us, we had to make do with whatever fans we could find tucked away in a store cupboard or even bring our own to work so we could try our best to do a day’s work. This led to many people asking about the legal maximum temperatures for work here in the UK, so we thought we’d put together a little information when it comes to employer responsibilities.

Photo by Jarosław Kwoczała / Unsplash

Currently, the UK doesn't have a maximum temperature limit where employees can 'down tools' and head home to cool offer. However, TUC is campaigning for an introduction of an upper limit on workplace temperature so that employers would be forced to act when the temperature inside reaches 24°C.

Under their proposed rules, if indoor temperatures reach 30°C (or 27°C for those engaged in physically demanding work), staff could be sent home and the employer prosecuted if they fail to address the problem and ask staff to continue working.

In these cases, it is always a good idea for employers to be prepared for any eventuality and have a range of cooling devices ready and waiting in the wings should temperatures start to rise. Popular choices include our range of high-quality fans that can be used to circulate air and reduce the build-up of humidity.

Photo by Dakota Roos / Unsplash

Available in a wide range of models including tower fans, desk fans and wall mounted designs, these fans can help cool the air by creating a wind chill effect that offers welcome relief from hot, stuffy indoor air.

When temperatures really start to creep up, and fans are doing little to cool employees down, portable air-con units are the only way to bring the air temperature down quickly and keep employees well and productive at work.

Available with a wide range of adjustable fan speeds and with digital displays, many of the models available from BLT Direct come complete with a remote control, so your employees won't even need to leave their workspaces to stay cool this summer.

Photo by Lorenzo Mitil / Unsplash