Liverpool charity Health@Work is warning firms it’s their legal obligation to keep staff warm during the cold weather.
The charity which promotes health and well being in the workplace, is raising awareness of the laws for employers to provide comfortable temperatures at work.
The laws suggest that the minimum temperature for offices is 16 degrees Celsius (63F) and those who undertake physical work should be in a workplace with a minimum of 13 degrees Celsius (58F).
If the temperature drops to lower than this, then employers are required to bring in more heaters, which do not give out offensive levels of fumes, to raise the temperature to the legal requirements.
Keith Gorman of Health@Work said: “Given the recent low temperatures throughout the region, we want to encourage firms to ensure they keep staff warm in their working environment.”
According to Keith, if you work in a large open space such as a warehouse and find it difficult to keep the temperature up, then the company should provide hot drinks, thermal clothing and facilities where necessary and extra rest breaks so that staff can warm up.
Workers who have to walk in slippery conditions should also be moved to an alternative workplace if gritting and de-icing the pavements can not be achieved.
Keith added: “Employers should risk assess their workplace and the activities they carry out because of the winter conditions, just as they would in the hotter months.
“Taking all of these measures will prevent an uncomfortable, stressful and possibly harmful working environment.”
Health@Work offers support and advice to businesses and employees in all aspects of workplace health.
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