LifestyleMet OfficeEmployers must stick to health and safety regulations, even during heatwaves15:49, 26 May 2026Updated 15:50, 26 May 2026Following the hottest May Day on record, heatwaves across the country are continuing with temperatures over 30ºC in a number of areas. As the extreme temperatures have prompted yellow and amber warnings from the UK Health and Security Agency, some employees question whether they are allowed to work in the heat.‌Legally, there is no set minimum or maximum temperature at which people are not allowed to work. However there are a number of things your employer should be doing to ensure employees stay safe when working in extreme weather, which can be a health and safety hazard.‌Government guidance explains that there’s no set maximum temperature people can safely work in because many workplaces are hot not because of the season but simply because of the nature of the work. These include industries such as bakeries or foundries.‌Employers do have to stick to health and safety rules, including keeping the temperature at a comfortable level in the workplace and providing fresh and clean air to workers. Official guidance notes: “Employees should talk to their employer if the workplace temperature is not comfortable.”People working on construction sites have a few more guidelines to protect them during heatwaves. As the Liverpool Echo reported, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations require reasonable workplace temperatures for indoor areas of construction sites.‌Where work takes place outdoors, adequate protection from harsh weather conditions must be provided. Site rest facilities must also be kept at an appropriate temperature.Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, employers are also required to assess risks to their workforce and implement measures to safeguard them. According to the Health and Safety Executive website: "All workers are entitled to an environment where risks to their health and safety are properly controlled. Heat is classed as a hazard and comes with legal obligations like any other hazard."People who have to work in extreme temperatures might face heat stress. This is when the body’s way of regulating temperature starts to fail and is usually influenced by air temperature as well as humidity, work rate and work clothing.‌Symptoms of heat stress include:an inability to concentratemuscle crampsheat rashsevere thirstfaintingheat exhaustion like fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headache, moist skinheat stroke like hot dry skin, confusion, convulsions and eventual loss of consciousnessArticle continues belowHeat stress can often be a year-round concern in some workplaces like manufacturing plants, boiler rooms, laundries and compressed-air tunnels.Dehydration can also be a serious concern when working in hot weather. The Health and Safety Executive recommends drinking cool water frequently and in small amounts to compensate for the effects of sweating but warned that thirst alone is not always a good indication of dehydration.It noted: “When working at a high rate in heat stress conditions, workers should drink around 250 ml (half a pint) every 15 minutes.”Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Met OfficeHealth and Safety ExecutiveBanksHeatwave