23/06/2026
Working in the Heat – Know Your Responsibilities
With warmer weather expected across Northern Ireland, it's a good time for employers to review how they protect their workforce from the effects of heat.
Did you know?
There is no legal maximum workplace temperature in Northern Ireland. However, employers do have a legal duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees.
The key principle is thermal comfort – ensuring employees can work safely and comfortably based on factors such as:
✅ Air temperature
✅ Humidity
✅ Air movement
✅ Physical demands of the job
✅ Clothing and PPE requirements
🌡️ High temperatures can lead to:
• Dehydration
• Heat exhaustion
• Reduced concentration
• Increased risk of accidents
• Lower productivity
Simple measures employers can take include:
💧 Provide plenty of cold drinking water.
🪟 Increase ventilation and open windows where possible.
🌀 Provide fans or air conditioning.
🕶️ Install blinds or reduce direct sunlight.
🚧 Rotate physically demanding tasks.
👕 Relax uniform requirements where safe to do so.
🌳 Move workstations or tasks away from direct sunlight where practicable.
⏸️ Allow additional rest breaks during periods of extreme heat.
Remember, there isn't a single temperature that is considered "too hot to work." Employers should carry out a suitable risk assessment, consult with their employees, and implement practical controls to reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
☀️ Keep your people safe. Stay hydrated. Stay cool. Work safely.
