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Can You Leave Work if It's Too Hot? What the Law Says
Guidance says employers should assess heat exposure, provide cooling measures and breaks, and protect outdoor workers as the UKHSA warns of higher deaths.
- As the Met Office predicts record-breaking highs of 38C in Britain this week, employers must assess workplace risks to safeguard staff during the extreme heatwave.
- Unlike some European nations, there is no official legal maximum working temperature in Britain; the Work Regulations require employers to provide a "reasonable" temperature and good ventilation.
- The HSE mandates employers conduct thorough risk assessments and provide PPE designed for high temperatures, while ensuring trained first aiders are present on site.
- Employees can raise concerns if workplace temperatures become uncomfortable, though they cannot leave work solely due to heat except under the Employment Rights Act if "serious and imminent danger" exists.
- While some European countries like Spain enforce specific workplace temperature limits, Britain relies on guidance rather than strict laws, even as outdoor workers face three times the risk of skin cancer.
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11 Articles
11 Articles
When is it too hot to work in UK and what employers must do as heatwave hits 38C
The UK is set to be hit by a heatwave in the coming days, with temperatures expected to soar to 38C in some parts of the country - but what are employers' duties under UK health and safety law
·United Kingdom
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News & Star+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Can you leave work if it's too hot? What the law says
The Met Office has forecast temperatures as high as 38C for parts of the country this week.
·Cumbria, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left1Leaning Right2Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution70% Center
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources are Center
70% Center
C 70%
R 20%
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