Workplace temperature
The thermal environment of a workplace, encompassing air temperature, humidity, radiant heat and air movement. Each framework sets minimum standards or guidance on temperature to protect worker health and comfort.
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“workplace temperature”Exact equivalentRegulation 7 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 requires that during working hours the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable. The regulation does not set a maximum temperature. HSE guidance recommends a minimum of 16°C for most work (13°C for strenuous physical work) and suggests that a maximum temperature of 30°C should be avoided.
Irish HSA
“workplace temperature”Close equivalentSchedule 1 of the General Application Regulations 2007 requires that the temperature in the premises shall be adequate for human beings during working hours, taking into account the working methods used and the physical demands placed on employees. Specific temperature thresholds are not prescribed; adequacy is assessed in context.
US OSHA
“workplace temperature”Partial equivalentOSHA has no general workplace temperature standard. OSHA addresses heat illness through guidance, the General Duty Clause and a proposed heat illness prevention standard in outdoor and indoor workplaces. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.94 and 1910.141 address temperature in specific contexts.
Practitioner note: GB sets no statutory maximum; the duty is to provide a reasonable temperature. Heat stress in hot processes is managed through risk assessment, not a fixed limit.