Employers’ obligations to manage workplace temperature

Published by a LexisNexis Employment expert

Practice notes

Employers’ obligations to manage workplace temperature

Published by a LexisNexis Employment expert

Practice notes

This Practice Note provides a guide to the legal obligations on employers in relation to temperature in the workplace, including indoor and outdoor workplaces, the statutory obligations and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Approved Code of Practice and guidance.

For information on the legal position where extreme or adverse weather, transport disruption or other major incidents prevent employees getting to work, and an overview of the practical steps a business may take, see Practice Note: Adverse weather and travel disruption.

The statutory position

An employer must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of its employees. This is enshrined in section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA 1974). This core duty extends to the provision of plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health, and the provision of such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure the health and safety at work of employees. A failure by the employer to comply with this duty is a criminal