How hot is ‘too hot’?

Soaring temperatures in the UK have put May 2026 in the record books, with a new UK daily temperature high of 34.8°C.

Love it or loathe it, this heat is taking many of us well outside our comfort zones. Getting on with daily life on sapped energy and a sweaty brow can be pretty challenging. So, what should employers be doing to keep everything comfortable, functioning and safe at work?

How hot is a workplace allowed to get?

There isn’t actually a maximum temperature in law. Employers simply have to make sure the temperature is at a ‘comfortable level’ and that employees have access to clean, fresh air. However, when you consider that what is comfortable to one isn’t necessarily comfortable to all, a more individual approach may be needed if employers are to fulfil their duty of care, minimise hazards and also avoid any potential discrimination. Risk assessments are a must.

Working inside

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends the following as ways of keeping workers comfortable on hot days:

• Providing fans and air-cooling or air-conditioning
• Making sure there’s adequate ventilation and that windows can be opened
• Using blinds or reflective film to shade workers from direct sunlight
• Moving workstations away from direct sunlight or heat sources
• Putting insulating materials around pipes
• Providing cold water dispensers

Also consider if changes to work arrangements should be made. For example:

• Relax formal dress codes
• Make sure workers have sufficient breaks
• Think about flexible working options

Working outside

Some workers may feel they’re used to working outdoors, and that can mean they’re complacent when it comes to dangers such as sunburn and heatstroke. Employers need to manage the risks and put in place protections. HSE recommends:

• Making sure workers recognise the early symptoms of heat stress
• Rescheduling work to cooler times of the day
• Providing more frequent rest breaks and free access to cool drinking water
• Providing shade
• Encouraging workers to remove personal protective equipment (PPE) when resting
• Providing free access to cool drinking water

PPE

PPE can’t be dispensed with. And this can pose particular difficulties for those working in hot temperatures. Aside from encouraging workers to remove their PPE while they’re on rest breaks or once it’s no longer needed, HSE recommends:

• Making sure workers replace their PPE or allow it to dry before using it again (drying facilities should be provided)
• Allowing slower work rates and longer recovery times
• Rotating staff more frequently, so that workers get a break from the hot environment
• Seeing if work can be carried out during cooler times of the day
• Considering introducing automated or alternative systems of work
• Re-evaluating the PPE equipment. Are there better options?

Every employer should be mindful of the risks and the responsibilities attached to rising temperatures. For specific advice about your workplace, contact our team on employment@bsandi.co.uk or call us on 01264 353411.