The Heat Is On

It ‘s nearly that time of the year again when temperatures begin to soar. 

Workplace regulations specify a minimum temperature of 16°C, depending on the location and amount of physical activity in the work area.  There is no legal maximum workplace temperature, but employers are expected to take reasonable steps to make people comfortable.  Here are some suggestions which may help you keep people comfortable in the heat:

• Switch lights off if possible
• Use blinds or solar reflective film on windows
• Provide fans and/or portable air conditioning (but beware of noise, trailing cables, electrical load and energy inefficiency)
• Ensure there is a plentiful supply of cold drinking water
• Relax formal dress codes
• Create shady areas (e.g. overhangs, shelters, parasols, trees)
• Switch off heat-generating equipment (e.g. computers, ovens, Bunsen Burners, photocopiers)
• Arrange extra breaks to give people the opportunity to cool down
• Relocate to cooler parts of the building
• Consider allowing people to work from home.

For a no-obligation chat about ways we can help you improve productivity and reduce costs while meeting your health and safety legal obligations, please contact us.