HSE issues hot weather safety warning

With temperatures soaring across the UK this week, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a reminder to employers that they are legally required to manage the risks associated with working in extreme heat—especially in physically demanding outdoor industries, such as concrete construction.

While there is no legal maximum working temperature in UK law, HSE guidance stresses that all employers must take action to keep workers safe in hot conditions. This includes both office-based environments and high-risk sectors such as building sites, precast yards, and infrastructure projects.

Concrete sector workers—many of whom operate outdoors or in high-temperature environments such as batching plants—are especially vulnerable to heat stress, dehydration, and fatigue. The HSE’s guidance outlines a series of practical steps employers should take, including:

• Adjusting work schedules to cooler parts of the day
• Providing shade and rest breaks
• Ensuring access to drinking water
• Monitoring staff for signs of heat-related illness

For those managing outdoor teams, the guidance includes specific advice on preventing heat stress and recognising when conditions could become dangerous. A workplace temperature checklist is also available to help employers carry out a basic risk assessment.

"Working in hot weather can lead to serious health problems if not properly managed," said a spokesperson for HSE. "We expect employers to act responsibly by assessing risks and taking reasonable steps to protect their workers."

The full range of HSE guidance on managing temperature in the workplace can be accessed via the HSE website: hse.gov.uk/temperature