Temperatures
Under Irish legislation, no maximum temperature for a workplace is prescribed. An
employer does, however, have a general duty under the Safety Health and Welfare at
Work Act, 2005 to ensure the safety, health and welfare of all employees. The
temperature of the workplace, whether too hot or too cold for comfort may have some
effect on welfare and possible health.
An employer must take on board the representations and concerns of employees and
should look at techniques to reduce the temperature and improve comfort wherever
possible.
Respond to Employees
It is important to respond to any employee representations and concerns on temperature.
However, outside of certain extreme conditions and heavy, tiring operations, the actual
risk to employees is one of comfort and is unlikely to affect health. In addition, where the
temperature is linked to temporary weather conditions (within an average range for this
region), again what is reasonably practicable for an employer will be limited as the risk
will pass when conditions improve.
However, it is still important to discuss the issue with employees and not to disregard
their representations.
Possible action to take:
This will very much depend on the nature of the work and of the building as to what
suitable remedial action can be taken. In offices, portable fans and window blinds can
reduce the heat and increase air circulation. A re-arrangement of desks away from
windows can also help. In factory environments, employees may be able to alternate
their work positions if some are in full sunlight. If possible, particularly ‘hot’ processes
could be scheduled for early morning. An increase in the number of breaks away from
work and the provision of cold drinks may keep productivity up and grumbling down if
no other measures can be taken.
Where an employer is obviously sympathetic and tries to alleviate the worst effects of hot
weather most employees should bear with temporary discomfort and continue working
normally. Unless conditions are extreme, measures such as those outlined above should
prevent any employees justifiably claiming that the company is in breach of its duty
under the 2005 Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act. Any refusal by the employees to
work would then place them in breach of their contracts of employment, which could
lead, to loss of pay/disciplinary action.
Uniformity of dress/personal protective equipment:
Employers should be very careful when relaxing rules about the wearing of uniforms in
hot weather. Uniforms often serve a dual purpose of presenting a smart company image
whilst also acting as protective clothing. Consequently, allowing maintenance staff for
instance, to discard overalls because of the heat, could result in an increase in the number
of accidents caused by, for example, broken glass or splinters of wood.
In August, 2003 when Ireland was basking in a heatwave, the Health and Safety
Authority released the following press release:
With temperatures soaring into the high 20’s, the Health and Safety Authority has urged
workers to take extreme care.
Dr. Dan Murphy, Manager of Occupational Health at the HSA, has warned those working
outdoors to take appropriate precautions to protect their skin.
“When working outdoors a sunscreen should be applied. Sunscreens should be used
every day if you intend working out in the sun for more than 20 minutes. Sunscreens
should be applied in the morning and reapplied after perspiring heavily”.
However, Dr. Murphy emphasised that sunscreen is just one element of skin protection.
“Although sunscreens are a very important part of maximum sun protection, wide
brimmed hats, protective clothing and sun avoidance (between the hours of 10.00 a.m and
4.00 p.m.) are also important. With the right precautions, the chance of developing skin
cancer can be greatly reduced”.
The hazards associated with higher temperatures may not just apply to those working in
outdoors and the Authority has taken this opportunity to remind employers and workers
of the importance of adequate ventilation and shade in all workplaces.
A comfortable temperature should be maintained in the workplace. In addition,
windows, skylights or glass partitions in workplaces should not allow excessive
temperatures to be reached during this hot weather. Curtains and blinds should be closed
to avoid radiant heat, while at the same time, leaving windows open to allow a through
draught.
“For most workplaces, opening windows or doors will provide adequate ventilation.
Where mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning is provided, the system should be
checked regularly, kept clean and well maintained to prevent a growth of legionella
bacteria or other organisms”.
Dr. Murphy said: “Staff must be reminded that where a proper air conditioning system is
installed, this will not function if any doors or windows are left open”. He added that
staff should be encouraged to drink extra water regularly on very warm days.
End of press release.