Temperature law

As we head into what should be the hottest time of the year, shopworkers’ union Usdaw is reminding its reps that employers have a duty to ensure a “reasonable” temperature in the workplace.

It says that excessive temperatures at work can lead to sweating, irritability, nausea, headaches, dizziness, fainting, muscle cramps, extra strain on the heart and ultimately heat stroke. Some of the measures that employers can take to relieve the effects include air conditioning, ventilation, cooling fans, removal or isolation of heat sources, frequent rest breaks, a constant supply of cold drinks, job rotation, and relaxation of dress codes.

Usdaw, along with other unions and the TUC, is campaigning for a legal maximum temperature of around 27°C. It has also produced a guide to the law on temperature at work which is available on its website at www.usdaw.org.uk/healthandsafety