The minimum temperature in an indoor workplace should normally be at least:
- 16°C or
- 13°C if much of the work involves rigorous physical effort
The Law
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations require employers to provide a reasonable indoor temperature in the workplace.
This depends on the work activity and the environmental conditions.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations require reasonable workplace temperatures for indoor areas of construction sites.
Where the site is outdoors, you must provide protection from adverse weather. Site rest facilities must also be maintained at an appropriate temperature.
How to Protect Employees?
- Ensure sufficient workplace heating, such as using portable heaters, to maintain a comfortable temperature in occupied areas.
- Design workflows and processes to limit exposure to cold environments and cold materials.
- Reduce draughts while maintaining proper ventilation to ensure fresh air without discomfort.
- Use insulating floor coverings or provide specialized footwear to protect workers standing on cold surfaces for extended periods.
- Supply suitable protective clothing tailored to cold working conditions.
Adjust Work Systems
- Minimize exposure by implementing flexible working schedules or job rotation to balance time spent in cold areas.
- Schedule regular breaks, allowing workers to warm up and access hot drinks or heated rest areas.
Click the link here for the HSE Temperature Checklist
Assessing The Risks
You should consult with workers or their representatives on the best ways to cope with high or low temperatures.
This checklist will help you carry out a basic risk assessment of workplace temperatures.
What your workers think
- Have your workers complained about temperatures in your workplace?
Air temperature
- Does the workplace temperature change during a normal working day?
- Does the workplace temperature change a lot during cold weather?
Radiant temperature
- Is there a heat source in the environment, for example machinery?
- Is work being done outdoors?
Humidity
- Are your workers wearing personal protective equipment that allows air to flow through?
- Do your workers complain that the air is too dry?
Air movement
- Is cold air blowing directly into the workspace?
- Are employees complaining of draughts?
Workers’ metabolic rate: Metabolic rate refers to the amount of energy (heat or calories) a worker’s body uses to perform its normal bodily functions, such as breathing, circulation, and digestion, as well as the energy required for physical activity or labour during work.
Cold Stress: In cold environments, the body uses more energy to stay warm, which can increase the metabolic rate and cause fatigue. Workers may need more calories, breaks, and proper clothing to maintain energy levels.
- Are workers mainly seated in cool or cold environments?
What is Cold Stress?
Cold stress occurs when the body is exposed to cold environmental conditions for extended periods, which can lead to a range of health issues. The body struggles to maintain its normal temperature, and the risk increases when factors like wind, moisture, and prolonged exposure to low temperatures are present. Cold stress can cause serious physical harm, such as hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related illnesses.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Can workers make changes to their clothing in response to high or low temperatures?
- Is respiratory protection being worn?
What are the Employers and Employees responsibilities?
Both employers and employees have rights and responsibilities to maintain health and safety during cold weather conditions.
Risk Assessment Training would be an excellent course to accompany this topic. It equips individuals with the skills to identify and mitigate hazards, including those associated with cold weather conditions, ensuring a safer workplace for everyone.
By staying informed and proactive, businesses can protect their workforce from the risks of cold weather and maintain compliance with legal standards.