Is there a maximum workplace temperature beyond which employees cannot be expected to work?

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/3004) state that, during working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings should be reasonable. However, the Regulations do not provide a maximum workplace temperature.

What is reasonable will depend on the nature of the workplace and the activities undertaken.

Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that it is not possible to set a "meaningful" maximum temperature as high temperatures are caused by work activity in many workplaces, such as bakeries or foundries.

During a heatwave, employers should monitor their workplaces and ensure that temperatures do not become unreasonable. They should follow HSE guidance and implement measures to prevent employees becoming too hot, for example providing fans, relaxing formal dress codes and allowing employees to take extra breaks.