As Bristol prepares for a week of very hot weather, you'd be forgiven if your thoughts jump to how you can get out of the office as soon as possible.
And with temperatures not likely to drop below 20 degrees all week it is a serious consideration businesses are having to make on whether it is safe and comfortable to carry on work.
So, when is it legally too hot to work? Well the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states employers are obliged to provide a "reasonable" temperature in the workplace.
READ MORE: Hour-by-hour forecast for Bristol as heatwave warning issued
Although there is no maximum temperature, companies need to ensure “appropriate controls” are in place to make sure the workplace is safe. Factors other than air temperature that need to be considered are radiant temperature, humidity and air velocity.
If a number of workers complain about the temperature, the company boss is obliged to carry out a risk assessment. And if they don’t staff can complain to an industry regulator.
The TUC says staff should be allowed to work flexible hours when it’s hot and dress down if they want. It also advises businesses to give employees cold drinks and let them take frequent breaks.
Alan Price, employment law director at employment law consultancy Peninsula, says companies should take steps to show staff they are appreciated during hot-weather periods. He said: “It’s easy for employees to feel less engaged when it’s nice weather outside and they have to be at work, which can lead to employees pulling a sickie to embrace hot weather while it lasts.
“Taking simple steps to show [you] value and appreciate staff during hot weather will help perk employees up and reduce absenteeism. These steps can include providing ice lollies, cold drinks or summer snacks to members of staff.
"Additionally, early-finish incentives, providing certain targets are met, will help raise productivity as staff wish to make the most of their longer evenings.”
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