Proposal to establish a "too hot to work" law

As a red alert for high heat starts, a union has sought for a legal cap on how hot it may be at work.
In light of analysts' predictions for an all-time high temperature of 41C (106F) in England, the Gas Workers and General Labourers (GMB) union stated that employees shouldn't have to deal with temperatures above 25C.

On Monday and Tuesday, a region that includes London, Manchester, and York is under the Met Office's highest warning. There is presently no legal definition of "too hot" or "too cold" for work in the UK or Ireland. However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that workplaces be at least 16C, or 13C if the employment is primarily strenuous.

A representative for the HSE responded to the request for a legal maximum by stating: "There is no maximum workplace temperature because every workplace is different.  Employers have a responsibility to create safe and healthy workplaces. Like other risks, workplace temperature carries legal responsibilities for employers.

A recent push for a legal upper limit of 30C in most workplaces—or 27C for those performing intense work—was supported by a number of MPs.

"This hot weather is nice for being on a sun lounger, but if you're trying to work through it, it's no joke," said Lynsey Mann, the GMB's health and safety officer. Bosses must do every effort to maintain a comfortable and, more importantly, secure work environment. Finally, there needs to be a legal maximum working temperature, she continued.

The GMB union recommended easing dress requirements at work during heat waves and offering extra breaks, water, and sunscreen. "This can be as easy as allowing folks to dress more casually and giving them appropriate hydration."

Frances O'Grady, general secretary of the TUC, added: "We all enjoy the sunshine, but working in a hot office or baking store may be unsafe and intolerable."

According to her, companies could allow employees to work from home or change their hours to avoid rush-hour traffic. Employers have a "legal and moral duty to guarantee that workers' health is not compromised during the current hot weather," according to the Unite union.