26 May Working Safely in Hot Weather
With high temperatures across most of the country, employers should ensure appropriate measures are in place to protect workers during periods of hot weather conditions.
While Irish legislation does not specify a maximum workplace temperature, employers have duties under health and safety legislation to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare of employees at work.
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 state that: “An employer shall ensure that during working hours, the temperature in rooms containing workstations is appropriate for human beings, having regard to the working methods being used and the physical demands placed on the employees”.
There are various ways that employers and employees can enhance comfort and safety during extreme weather conditions.
For indoor/office workers:
- Close blinds/curtains but open windows to enable a through draught.
- If there is mechanical air conditioning in place, ensure the system is clean and well maintained. Close windows/doors while in use to enable it to function properly.
- Provision of fans
- Provision of cold drinks/water
- Relaxation of formal dress codes
For outdoor workers:
- Ensure sunscreen is applied especially if working outdoors for more than 20 minutes
- Wear protective clothing, wide brimmed hats and avoid working in direct sunlight between 10am and 4pm.
Workers exposed to high temperatures, indoors or outdoors, may be at risk of dehydration, fatigue, heat stress or heat-related illness.
Further information and guidance:
Health and Safety Authority: https://www.hsa.ie/topics/sun_protection/
Health and Safety Executive (UK): https://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/employer/index.htm?utm_source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=hse-guidance&utm_term=temperature-1&utm_content=temp-26-may-26
Employers should review workplace risk assessments and take appropriate steps to protect employees during hot weather conditions.