9 hours ago
Office rights explained: What temperature is too hot to work in?
THE UK is basking in glorious sunshine with temperatures set to peak at over 30 degrees Celsius in parts.
The Met Office has said a heatwave is "likely" this weekend with sunshine continuing into next week.
But what are your rights when it comes to working during hot weather?
We explain everything you need to know below.
What rights do I have if it's too hot in the office?
There's no minimum or maximum temperature for offices or other places of work currently defined in law.
Employers have to make sure conditions are "reasonable" - but that definition is obviously open to interpretation.
John Kushnick, legal operations director at National Accident Helpline said: "Temperatures in the workplace are covered by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which place a legal obligation on employers to provide a 'reasonable' temperature in the workplace.
"They suggest that the minimum temperature in a workplace should be at least 16°C, or if the work involves rigorous physical exertion, it can be 13°C.
"Unfortunately, there are no laws which specifically state that workers can stop working if the temperature gets too hot or cold."
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has previously suggested bosses should ensure their workers have access to water and monitor their wellbeing in hot weather.
Typical symptoms of heat stress are:
An inability to concentrate
Muscle cramps
Heat rash
Severe thirst - a late symptom of heat stress
Fainting
Heat exhaustion - fatigue, giddiness, nausea, headache, moist skin
Heat stroke - hot dry skin, confusion, convulsions and eventual loss of consciousness. This is the most severe disorder and can result in death if not detected at an early stage
However, if enough members of staff complain about working conditions, bosses should carry out a risk assessment.
The HSE says: 'If a significant number of employees are complaining about thermal discomfort, your employer should carry out a risk assessment, and act on the results of that assessment.'
John adds: "If an employee feels uncomfortable, then they should speak to their employer as they are obliged to act reasonably and provide a safe working environment."
If you're a vulnerable staff member - including being menopausal or pregnant - you should take this into account when deciding on a plan of action.
You may not get to work from home, though.
Instead, the business might provide fans, relax dress codes, turn up the air conditioning, or consider other measures to make things more comfortable.
What are the temperature recommendations?
The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers recommends the following temperatures for different working areas:
Heavy work in factories: 13°C
Light work in factories: 16°C
Hospital wards and shops: 18°C
Offices and dining rooms: 20°C
What are my rights if I need to take public transport?
Each transport company sets its own policies - and like with offices, there's no law about temperatures during a heatwave.
This can mean that travellers face extremely high temperatures when out and about.
For example, in 2018, Londoners complained of 42C temperatures on the Tube.
Transport for London however has since said all Tubes will be air-conditioned by 2030.
If you are travelling on public transport, make sure you bring a bottle of water with you, and if possible, wear cool, loose, and light clothing.
People are sharing their best "air con" hacks to keep cool in the heatwave and all you need is a bottle of water. If you're sat at work wincing in pain at sunburn caught over the weekend, here's five ways to soothe it.
Keeping safe in the sun
Wear clothes and sunglasses that provide sun protection
The NHS website recommends wearing a hat that that shades the face, neck and ears and breathable fabrics that do not let the sunlight through.
Drink water
Staying hydrated in the warmer weather is also important. Be sure to carry a water bottle with you if you are travelling and taking sips throughout the day.
Use suncream
According to the NHS webiste, adults should aim to apply around 6 to 8 teaspoons of sunscreen if you're covering your entire body.
If sunscreen is applied too thinly, the amount of protection it gives is not as effective
If you're worried you might not be applying enough SPF30, you could use a sunscreen with a higher SPF.
