DWP 'too hot to work' temperature limit rules update as 38C to hit

DWP 'too hot to work' temperature limit rules update as 38C to hit Calls are increasing for changes in the rules as pharmacists suggested a 32C limit in the home The government has given a maximum work temperature update as calls increase for new rules - and pharmacists spoke of a 32C limit for home workers. Parts of the UK could be set to bake in 38C temperatures as a firefighters’ union chief warned the country faces a “national emergency” over wildfires. Some areas face a fifth heatwave of the summer, as the Met Office revealed the UK is on course for its hottest summer on record. Temperatures could hit 33C on Wednesday before potentially reaching highs of 37C or 38C on Thursday, the Met Office say. Rare amber “extreme heat” warnings have been issued by the forecaster for London and parts of the South East, East Midlands, East of England, West Midlands and South Yorkshire from 9am to midnight on Thursday. The common result of temperatures exceeding 35C in the UK has prompted growing calls for an upper workplace heat limit on health grounds, as is already the case in numerous countries. And the DWP has confirmed the Health and Safety Executive is to carry out a consultation into the possible introduction of a new work max. The National Pharmacy Association has urged people to ‘check the room temperature’ at different times and ‘ideally, the room temperature should be kept below 32 °C during the day and 24 °C during the night.” In a parliamentary question, MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi asked Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden: “What recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of legislation in ensuring workplaces are maintained at a reasonable temperature during periods of extreme heat." In answer, Sir Stephen Timms Minister of State for Social Security and Disability said: “The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 place an obligation on employers to provide a ‘reasonable’ temperature in indoor workplaces. “There is a legal obligation under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 for all employers to make a suitable assessment of the risks to the health and safety of their workers and take action where necessary to minimise those risks as far as reasonably practicable. This would include the risks from extreme weather events, such as heatwaves. “The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is progressing a wider review of the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 to ensure it is fit for purpose for a modern workplace.” MP Ayoub Khan asked: “How many inspections the Health and Safety Executive has undertaken relating to excessive workplace temperatures in each of the last five years.” Sir Stephen said: “The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prioritises its resources to concentrate on the most serious risks and target dutyholders with the worst risk management record. Therefore, there have been no proactive inspections specifically relating to excessive workplace temperature. HSE uses a targeted blend of interventions to deliver its strategy and maximise its impact. The main interventions are: - communication, guidance, advice and information - collaboration and partnership - following up reports of health and safety issues and incidents - inspection of work activities and workplaces - investigation of incidents - enforcement including providing advice, serving notices and prosecution “As part of this HSE provides guidance for employers to manage the risk to workers, including from extreme heat. HSE issued a press release on Friday 19 June to raise awareness of managing the risks to workers to help workplaces in the current hot weather.” Mr Timms has also added: “This year, HSE will also be launching a public consultation on proposed changes to the Approved Code of Practice for the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, including those relating to workplace temperature.” During last month’s heatwave, the HSE made its position clear by urging employers to ‘act now’ to safeguard workers as temperatures rocketed. It emphasised that employers are obligated to plan for and support staff working in extreme heat. The regulator maintains that doing so will keep workers fit and safe while also sustaining productivity. The HSE confirmed that employers are legally required to evaluate risks to their workers’ health and safety, including those posed by severe weather conditions such as heatwaves. While no legal maximum workplace temperature exists, heat is regarded as a hazard and should be handled in the same way as other workplace risks.