Is HR handling the office heat?

A thermal risk assessment may be necessary in the following circumstances:

• Air-conditioned offices: If more than 10% of employees are complaining.
• Naturally ventilated offices: If more than 15% of employees are complaining.
• Retail businesses, warehouses, factories and all other indoor environments that may not have air conditioning: When more than 20% of people complain.

If the thermal risk assessment shows heat to be a risk to health and safety in the workplace, the following steps are advised by HSE:

• Controlling temperature using fans or air conditioning.
• Provide mechanical aids to reduce employee work rate.
• Prevent exposure through: Allowing workers into the workplace in cooler parts of the day, issuing permits to specify how long workers spend in high-risk situations, providing rest breaks and ensuring rest areas provide cooler conditions.
• Prevent dehydration by supplying access to cold water.
• Relax dress codes to increase employee comfort.
• Provide specialised personal protective equipment designed for comfort in hot conditions.

Peter Ames, Head of Strategy at OfficeGenie.co.uk, comments: “For employers, it is your responsibility to do everything you can to ensure the safety and comfort of your employees, this could be anything from bringing in fans to instigating a work-from-home policy. If temperatures do become uncomfortable, and you do not act, you could be at risk of legal action.”