Frosty Friday and it’s getting colder.
But what’s it like inside your work place?
Are you a “Chilly Billy (or Belinda!)” employer?
Temperatures have plunged…
Are you “hot” on providing warmth for your work force?
At this time of the year, it seems nobody can get it quite right.
The person in the corner is cold and distracted, whilst the colleague under the heating is puffing and panting.
As an employer do you have a duty to keep everyone at the right temperature?
Yes, you do!
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations require employers to provide a reasonable indoor temperature in the workplace.
This depends on the work activity and the environmental conditions.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations also require reasonable workplace temperatures for indoor areas of construction sites.
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, employers must:
- assess the risks to workers
- put controls in place to protect them
Temperature in the workplace is one of the risks you should assess whether the work is being done indoors or outdoors.
You should consult with your work force on the best ways to cope with high or low temperatures.
Is there a minimum temperature?
Yes
The Approved Code of Practice on the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations suggests the minimum temperature for working indoors should normally be at least:
16°C or
13°C if much of the work involves rigorous physical effort
Just so you know…
There is no maximum temperature for workplaces.
However, all workers are entitled to an environment where risks to their health and safety are properly controlled. Heat is classed as a hazard and comes with legal obligations like any other hazard.
Assess your risks now…
Want to ensure you are making the right decisions on heating in the workplace?
Head to the Health and Safety Executive’s handy Workplace temperature checklist to check whether you need to assess the risks and get some advice on protecting your work force.