Handling Unseasonal Temperatures: Workplace Thermal Comfort

8th April 2013

Temperatures in the workplace are covered by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. The Approved Code of Practice suggests a minimum temperature in workrooms of at least 16 degrees Celsius, although this is not an absolute legal requirement. ‘Thermal comfort’ – whether someone is feeling too hot or too cold – can be difficult to define. The employer’s essential duty therefore is to determine ‘reasonable comfort’ – the thermal environment satisfying the majority of people (80% of people, according to the HSE) in the workplace.

In addition, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to make a suitable assessment of the risks to the health and safety of their workers, and take action where necessary and where reasonably practicable. If employees or tenants are not comfortable in the workplace, efficiency can decrease and complaints rise.

For further information please contact us.