Maximum workplace temperature limit 'impractical'

Shopworkers union Usdaw said ministers had told them that the issue of "uncomfortable and potentially dangerous" temperatures at work would return to the agenda for further discussion in Spring 2005.

The union claimed that every year it receives "thousands of complaints" from its members concerning excessive workplace temperatures, and that requests for advice and information had increased dramatically during recent summer heatwaves. Current health and safety regulations in the UK suggest a minimum workplace temperature but offer no guidance for an upper limit.

Usdaw said it recently wrote to the Government outlining its concerns at the absence of a maximum and suggested one should be set at 27 degrees centigrade.

However, in her response Jane Kennedy, Minister of State for Work, said that the Health and Safety Commission considered it impractical to set a maximum temperature, according to Usdaw. But she added that in Spring 2005, experts would "explore what more can be done and what further guidance can be given."

John Hannett, Usdaw general secretary, commented: "The absence of maximum reasonable temperatures in current regulations makes it difficult to persuade employers to take action when temperatures are too high.

"Too many employers use this as an excuse for inaction. All the while, workers' health and safety is put at risk."