As temperatures across the UK soar into the 30s this week, personal injury specialists at HD Claims are warning that employers who fail to protect staff from extreme heat could face legal action.
While there’s no official maximum working temperature under UK law, the Health and Safety at Work Act and Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations place a clear duty on businesses to ensure working environments remain “reasonable and safe” — even during a heatwave.
“The law doesn’t set a temperature limit, but that doesn’t let employers off the hook,” explains Adam Jones, legal expert at HD Claims.
“If a workplace becomes unbearably hot, with no ventilation, no access to water, and no reasonable adaptations — that’s a health and safety issue. Employers who ignore this could be held liable for illness or injury, particularly among those working in manual labour, hospitality, warehouses or poorly ventilated offices.”
What employers must do:
HD Claims is urging UK businesses to review their current heat management policies. Key legal expectations include:
- Allowing additional breaks and access to cool water
- Relaxing dress codes where safe to do so
- Improving ventilation or providing cooling systems
- Risk assessing heat exposure for vulnerable employees
Potential claims
Employees suffering from heat exhaustion, dehydration, or worsened health conditions due to poor working conditions may have grounds to bring claims, especially if concerns were raised and ignored.
“The legal test is whether the employer took ‘reasonable steps’ to protect staff,” adds Jones.
“Turning a blind eye to rising temperatures, especially when staff are visibly struggling, won’t stand up in court.”
A growing risk
With more hot spells expected throughout July and August, Adam Jones says now is the time for proactive planning:
“Heatwaves aren’t rare anymore — they’re a foreseeable risk. That means employers need to treat them the same way they would icy walkways or fire drills.”