With temperatures soaring to 35 degrees Celsius across the UK this summer and tropical nights becoming the norm, concerns about worker safety in extreme heat are intensifying. John Kushnick, Legal Director at National Accident Helpline, urges the UK to update workplace regulations to better protect employees from heat-related illnesses and injuries.
Currently, UK workplace temperatures are governed by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. While this legislation sets a minimum temperature requirement, it lacks an upper limit indicating when it becomes too hot to work safely. The Labour government is reportedly considering introducing a maximum temperature threshold, but the timing may be insufficient given the growing heatwave risks.
Kushnick highlights the issue: “Without a legal maximum temperature, many workers feel pressured to continue working even when conditions are unsafe.” Data from National Accident Helpline reveals that 41% of workers feel forced to cut safety measures to meet deadlines, and 56% believe health and safety policies in their workplaces are more about ticking boxes than genuine care.
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Employers are legally required to maintain a “reasonable” temperature and safeguard employees’ health by doing whatever is “reasonably practicable.” This includes accommodating workers with health vulnerabilities and making necessary adjustments. Kushnick advises that when workplace temperatures exceed 28 degrees Celsius, it may be too hot to work safely.
Certain sectors, particularly outdoor roles like construction and workers in hot transport environments such as underground trains—where temperatures can reach 40 degrees—are at greater risk. Maintaining focus and operating machinery becomes dangerous in such extreme heat, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Measures like large fans in underground stations often do little to alleviate the intense heat.
Even office workers are at risk, especially in older UK buildings lacking air conditioning. Prolonged exposure to high indoor temperatures, even while seated, raises the risks of heatstroke and dehydration.
The best advice for employees is to take regular breaks, stay adequately hydrated, and speak up about unsafe conditions. Importantly, while there is no legal maximum temperature for work, employees have the right to stop working if they believe conditions are unsafe.