British Safety Council questions blanket approach to workplace heat limit

Responding to the findings, Ian Cooke, the British Safety Council’s director of audit, consultancy and culture change, suggested an alternative to a “one-size-fits-all maximum” temperature that was more dynamic and based around current safety approaches. “We believe the UK should build on existing health and safety principles, based on risk assessments and reasonably practical controls,” said Cooke.

“This is similar to the current approach used for low temperatures, where guidance differentiates between sedentary and physically demanding work.”

The Health and Safety Executive, in its guidance on workplace temperature, suggests a “thermal comfort” range between 13°C and 30°C, depending on the type of work undertaken. 

While there is no legal maximum working temperature currently in the UK, employers have duties, under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, to ensure risks around high temperatures are managed. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, say employers need to assess risks (including heat stress) and implement appropriate control measures. 

The comments from the British Safety Council come as forecasters in the UK warn temperatures could reach 35C in parts of England tomorrow (Tuesday 27 June) as the country sees a record-breaking heatwave.