The HSE recommends a minimum indoor working temperature of 16°C but there is no law on what a maximum temperature should be. Employers should therefore be assessing the risks and putting appropriate control measures in place, such as the following:
- Allowing flexible working including working from home: where possible allow employees to come in earlier, stay late, or work from home (we appreciate this bullet point may only apply to a small proportion of pharmacist roles)
- Keeping workplace buildings cool. Ensure adequate ventilation, provision of fans, and the use of blinds
- Climate-proofing workplaces. Consider how to prepare buildings for future climate change including the installation of air conditioning
- Keep staff comfortable. Ensure staff have sufficient breaks and access to cool drinks
- Relaxing workplace dress codes. Allow staff to wear more casual, cooler clothing
- Talk and listen to staff and their union. Staff may have suggestions themselves on how to keep cool at work.
PDA members with concerns can contact the PDA Member Support Centre for advice.
Get involved
The PDA want to see guidance which asks employers to begin taking steps to reduce temperatures when they get above 24°C and workers feel uncomfortable. This is the World Heath Organisation’s recommended maximum temperature for working in comfort.
- Sign the petition: We need a maximum working temperature
Learn more
- 8 steps employers can take to keep work cool
- Cool it! Reps guide on dealing with high temperatures in the workplace
- Temperature in the workplace
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.