How hot is too hot to work under Irish law?

Temperatures are set to skyrocket over the coming days.

Temperatures are set to hit 27C in some parts of the country today, and up to 29C tomorrow - but while there is no temperature that is legally defined as 'too hot', there is a minimum temperature.

But how hot is too hot to work?

According to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations state, if the work involved rigorous physical effort, temperatures should be at least 17.5C, or 16C.

The regulations added: “During working hours, the temperature in rooms containing workstations is appropriate for human beings, having regard to the working methods being used and the physical demands placed on the employees.”

Furthermore, while no maximum figure is given, the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 says employers owe a general duty to ensure the safety of staff.

Under the act, employers must 'take reasonable care to protect his or her safety, health and welfare and the safety, health, and welfare of any other person who may be affected by the employee’s acts or omissions at work.'

The IBEC, who represent Irish businesses, outlined that if companies work to try and bring down the heat, you won’t get a day off.

“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," they stated.

An employer should carry out a risk assessment if a significant number of employees are complaining about the temperature.

Additionally, the Health and Safety Authority said measures should be taken by employers to cool the workplace down as the temperature rises.

Chief Operating Officer at Peninsula Ireland, Moira Grassick, said: “Employers have a duty of care to all their employees, meaning they must ensure that the temperature does not reach dangerous levels.

“The health and safety of staff should always be a priority, and although the high temperatures are only expected for a couple of days, employers should be prepared.

“Fortunately, many businesses are already allowing flexible working, which can help you to adapt over the hot weather period.

“Allowing staff to work from home or staggering their hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day can help. This is especially helpful for workplaces where employees are required to wear heavy PPE or use heavy machinery.

“If your staff work outside, they may be at more risk to heat stroke and sunburn so consider providing sun cream and allowing plenty of breaks for staff to rest and hydrate.”

She added: “It’s critical that teams are aware of the signs of heatstroke – like weariness, irritability, and headaches - which can in some cases, if left untreated, become deadly.

“Should any of these symptoms be present in your staff, medical assistance should be called for right away."

Relaxed dress codes are another step in making the workplace more comfortable in warm conditions.

The HSA advises: “There is no maximum temperature stated under the regulations but as a guideline a minimum comfortable working temperature for indoor sedentary workers is 17.5C.

“In extremely hot weather conditions, measures such as for example, the provisions of fans, provision of cold water dispensers and regular water breaks for staff, the relaxation of formal dress codes, the introduction of flexible working patterns etc, can assist in maintaining comfortable working conditions."