The workspace - temperature safety

As a leading workplace safety company, our City & Guilds approved Train the Trainer courses have enabled countless companies to enhance safety from within with exactly the right training, support and guidance.

As temperatures continue to dip however, ensuring that the workspace itself inspires the same safety is vital. By law, the temperature of your workspace should be ‘reasonable’, but how can you ensure that the temperature of your workplace is not too hot or too cold and your employees remain as comfortable as possible?

What is a ‘reasonable’ working temperature?

According to the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations, the minimum temperature should be at least 16°C when working indoors in the UK. If employees are undertaking physically demanding tasks, the minimum temperature can be 13°C.

Is this a legal requirement?

Whilst referenced in the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations, these recommended workplace temperatures are a part of an Approved Code of Practice and are therefore strongly suggested, not a legal requirement.

Minimum workplace temperatures may feature in the Approved Code of Practice, yet no maximum workplace temperature is stipulated. It is however recommended that the temperature is at a ‘comfortable’ level and a good supply of clean, fresh air is readily available.

Why are safe working temperatures important?

Working in unsafe temperatures can have a number of negative effects on every employee’s health, wellbeing and ability to function. Dehydration, heat stress and cold stress are just some of the conditions referenced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for example.

How can I keep workspace temperatures safe?

Monitoring the temperatures of your workspaces is the first step to creating a happy, healthy work environment where everyone can thrive. To maintain a reasonable temperature, you may need to install and utilise local heating or cooling equipment, such as fans, radiators and air conditioning units. Adequate ventilation is another necessity throughout workplaces.

Separate facilities should also be made accessible to workers, whether that’s an area to rest away from intense heat or warmer clothing for use in cooler workspaces. Flexible working patterns, regular breaks and access to cold water and other refreshments are other options that can keep workers safe in warmer environments.

The configuration of your workspace can help you maintain reasonable temperatures too. Shade should be provided via blinds or reflective window coverings, whilst workstations can be positioned away from direct sunlight to maximise comfort further.