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Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Just how hot is 'too hot' to work? UK employees' rights as temperatures heat up
As the UK enjoys the warmest start to May on record, with temperatures reaching 28C in Kew Gardens, many people will be busy battling to stay cool while in the workplace With bright blue skies and soaring temperatures across many parts of the UK, the Met Office has officially declared today as the hottest day of the year so far. With the temperature at Kew Gardens reaching 28C, the figure marks the warmest start to May on record for the UK. 'With the temperature at Kew Gardens reaching 28C and still climbing, it is now officially the warmest start to May on record for the UK. The previous May 1st record high temperature was 27.4C at Lossiemouth in Scotland in 1990,' the Met Office wrote on X. Although hotter weather might be a source of joy for many, some will be attempting to stay cool in the workplace and wondering just what their rights are if things get too hot. Although warmer temperatures might feel uncomfortable, because every workplace is different, there is no law regarding a maximum working temperature. That being said, The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) means that employers are required to provide a 'reasonable indoor temperature' in the workplace. If extreme temperatures are forecast, they should then make plans to ensure employees are safe and comfortable, conduct health and safety risk assessments and address any identified risks. According to the TUC: 'An employer must provide a working environment which is, as far as is reasonably practical, safe and without risks to health. In addition, employers have to assess risks and introduce any necessary prevention or control measures.' Things you can do in the heat If you feel uncomfortable in the heat, you can work with your employer to take action, such as: Being able to remove layers of clothing Using a fan to increase ventilation Using window blinds to keep the sun out Working away from direct sunlight Taking regular breaks to cool down What your employer can do As well as assessing the risks, employers should talk to workers about how they're feeling, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states. If you are an employee, you can talk to your employer about potential improvements, such as: Ensuring that windows can be opened or closed Having flexible hours to avoid high temperatures Relaxing any formal dress codes in place Providing more regular rest breaks and free access to cool drinking water Ultimately, if you're feeling uncomfortable in the heat, you should let your manager know. If enough other people do the same, they are obliged to take action.
Edinburgh Reporter
25-04-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Workplace Safety: What Are Companies' Obligations in 2025?
Creating and maintaining a legally compliant workplace might feel like a tall order, as UK businesses have many rules and regulations to follow to keep employees and visitors safe. Not to mention, laws and guidelines are constantly evolving, which can feel overwhelming to many business owners. Unfortunately, a failure to adhere to the law will not only lead to legal repercussions, fines, and a damaged reputation, but it could result in a serious or fatal injury. To learn about workplace safety, familiarise yourself with UK companies' obligations in 2025. Photo by Ümit Yıldırım on Unsplash Research Specific Regulations for Your Industry The UK has many regulations to keep all employees and the public safe and secure. It doesn't matter if you run a small or large business, take the time to learn about: · Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 · Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 · Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 · Work at Height Regulations · Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 · Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 · Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 · Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) · Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 Different industries will have different health and safety requirements, which you'd be wise to familiarise yourself with to create a safe working environment. For instance, the construction industry must adhere to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. Once you have a firm understanding of your company's specific legal requirements for its industry, you must introduce the appropriate safety solutions from Seton for compliant operations. You can check it out here. Follow the Health and Safety Act at Work (1974) Set time aside to learn about the Health and Safety Act at Work (1974), as it serves as the UK's primary legislation for workplace safety. It carefully outlines an employer's duty to their staff members and the public and details the consequences of non-compliance. Understand Your General Health & Safety Requirements Every UK business must comply with The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. It provides strict rules for companies to meet to provide employees with basic safety standards at work. For instance, it requires employers to provide: · Adequate lighting and ventilation · Access to clean drinking water · A suitable workstation · A reasonable indoor temperature Don't Overlook Remote Working Safety According to the Office for National Statistics, 44% of the UK population reported remote or hybrid working from 2022 to 2023, which is a huge jump from 4.9% in 2019. As more people are working from home than ever before, employers have a responsibility to ensure their employees are safe and healthy during working hours. For instance, they must assess staff members' workstation ergonomics, such as providing display screen equipment assessments. Also, they must routinely check in with employees to help protect their mental health, as they are more susceptible to feelings of loneliness and isolation. What's more, managers can create a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce by providing access to counselling services, stress management programs, or free gym memberships. If an employee is struggling, it may help to provide more flexible working hours, adjust their duties, or develop a personalised wellness plan. Some team members may benefit from monthly group outings to socialise and connect with colleagues, too. Pay Close Attention to Upcoming Health & Safety Changes The UK's Health and Safety regulations are annually updated at some stage from April to October, which you must review to remain legally compliant. As companies are accessing more data than ever, and more employees are working from home, employers can expect enhanced requirements for digital reporting and a greater emphasis on mental health at work. Also, companies that fail to adhere to requirements are likely to face harsher penalties. Like this: Like Related
