With the current heatwave, when is it too hot to work?

With the current heatwave to remain in place until at least next weekend, it’s been a hotter than normal few weeks for workers across Ireland.

In an effort to stay cool, many workers are ditching their usual work attire for a more dressed-down summer approach. Some might even be asking one of the biggest workplace questions when temperatures rise – when is it too hot to work? The answer may not be the one many employees want to hear.

There isn’t a legally defined maximum temperature for offices only a minimum temperature.

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations state “temperatures should be at least 17.5C, or 16C if the work involves rigorous physical effort. During working hours, the temperature in rooms containing workstations must be appropriate for human beings, having regard to the working methods being used and the physical demands placed on the employees”

There is, however, an onus on employers to ensure the temperature is deemed reasonable in all workplaces.

And while there is no maximum figure given, the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 says employers have a general duty to ensure the safety of staff.

As the warm weather continues keeping hydrated while at work is especially important. There are also a number of reasonable steps employers should take including extra fans, rearranging office furniture so desks are in shaded areas, and rescheduling especially challenging physical tasks can all help employees working in the heat.

Those who work outside should take extra precautions against the sun, and again keeping hydrated is especially important.

The Health and Safety Authority recommend that employers should relax dress codes, including allowing staff to remove ties and jackets, as well as wearing casual lightweight clothing.

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