Too hot to work? How high do temps have to be before I can go home as Irish workers' rights explained before 28C blast
Mercury is already
Meteorologist Cathal Nolan of Ireland's
He added: "Highs of between 25C-27C are likely on Friday, with values reaching up to 28C-30C Celsius on Saturday, with an outside chance that values could even top out at 31C on Sunday.
But as those temperatures rise, are workers in Ireland expected to still show up as normal?
And do the rules vary depending on the job you do?
READ MORE IN NEWS
OFFICE WORKERS
There is no maximum working temperature in Ireland, so there is no law stating employees are entitled to stay home in higher temperatures.
However, employers are required to ensure workers have reasonable working conditions.
Employers are required to keep office spaces properly ventilated and if there is air conditioning it must function in a way that does not cause employees discomfort.
The HSA advise 18C to 21C is an acceptable temperature range for indoor work.
MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN
Recommended temperatures in an office are between 21C to 23C.
How to stay cool during hot weather
If the building is experiencing a temporary fault that impacts air flow or air conditioning employees may be advised to work from home.
However, this is the call of workplace bosses and not a definite legal requirement.
Additionally, they advise businesses to loosen
However, if the employers fail to ensure the work environment is safe for the employees, they may face penalties, legal action, as it will increase the risk of workplace accidents and illnesses if not dealt with properly.
OUTDOOR WORK
Again, there is no maximum temperature outlined in Irish law for when it is too hot to work outdoors.
However, employers whose employees work outdoors have the same responsibility to ensure safe working conditions for their staff.
However, the
The HSE have clear advice for employers in regards to their outdoor staff during heatwaves.
They say: "Employers need to make sure that their workers can keep hydrated easily and can protect their skin from UV radiation damage.
"Employers should ensure that the working conditions are safe during a heatwave."
Advice for bosses includes the following:
Workers can access safe drinking water easily.
Workers can take enough time to hydrate – as the outdoor temperature rises the frequency of water breaks should go up.
There is shade for working, or if that is not possible, there should be shade for breaks.
Workers can wear protective clothing such as wide brimmed hats and sunglasses.
Workers have easy access to sunscreen with SPF minimum 30 or higher as it needs to be frequently applied.
Employers may opt to change the structure of the work day if possible to avoid prime heat, however this is not a requirement.
WHAT IF I GO HOME?
According to the Irish
They said: "Where an employer is obviously sympathetic and tries to alleviate the worst effects of hot weather most employees should bear with temporary discomfort and continue working normally.
"Unless conditions are extreme, measures such as those outlined above should prevent any employees justifiably claiming that the company is in breach of its duty under the 2005 Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act.
"Any refusal by the employees to work would then place them in breach of their contracts of employment, which could lead, to loss of pay/disciplinary action."
The employer should do a risk assessment if the majority of the workforce expresses complaints about hot temperatures.
1
It could reach 31C this week
Credit: Getty Images
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MET Eireann have confirmed a 28C heat blast is set to hit Ireland over the coming days, with experts speculating it could even hit 31C. Mercury is already Meteorologist Cathal Nolan of Ireland's He added: "Highs of between 25C-27C are likely on Friday, with values reaching up to 28C-30C Celsius on Saturday, with an outside chance that values could even top out at 31C on Sunday. But as those temperatures rise, are workers in Ireland expected to still show up as normal? And do the rules vary depending on the job you do? READ MORE IN NEWS OFFICE WORKERS There is no maximum working temperature in Ireland, so there is no law stating employees are entitled to stay home in higher temperatures. However, employers are required to ensure workers have reasonable working conditions. Employers are required to keep office spaces properly ventilated and if there is air conditioning it must function in a way that does not cause employees discomfort. The HSA advise 18C to 21C is an acceptable temperature range for indoor work. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN Recommended temperatures in an office are between 21C to 23C. How to stay cool during hot weather If the building is experiencing a temporary fault that impacts air flow or air conditioning employees may be advised to work from home. However, this is the call of workplace bosses and not a definite legal requirement. Additionally, they advise businesses to loosen However, if the employers fail to ensure the work environment is safe for the employees, they may face penalties, legal action, as it will increase the risk of workplace accidents and illnesses if not dealt with properly. OUTDOOR WORK Again, there is no maximum temperature outlined in Irish law for when it is too hot to work outdoors. However, employers whose employees work outdoors have the same responsibility to ensure safe working conditions for their staff. However, the The HSE have clear advice for employers in regards to their outdoor staff during heatwaves. They say: "Employers need to make sure that their workers can keep hydrated easily and can protect their skin from UV radiation damage. "Employers should ensure that the working conditions are safe during a heatwave." Advice for bosses includes the following: Workers can access safe drinking water easily. Workers can take enough time to hydrate – as the outdoor temperature rises the frequency of water breaks should go up. There is shade for working, or if that is not possible, there should be shade for breaks. Workers can wear protective clothing such as wide brimmed hats and sunglasses. Workers have easy access to sunscreen with SPF minimum 30 or higher as it needs to be frequently applied. Employers may opt to change the structure of the work day if possible to avoid prime heat, however this is not a requirement. WHAT IF I GO HOME? According to the Irish They said: "Where an employer is obviously sympathetic and tries to alleviate the worst effects of hot weather most employees should bear with temporary discomfort and continue working normally. "Unless conditions are extreme, measures such as those outlined above should prevent any employees justifiably claiming that the company is in breach of its duty under the 2005 Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act. "Any refusal by the employees to work would then place them in breach of their contracts of employment, which could lead, to loss of pay/disciplinary action." The employer should do a risk assessment if the majority of the workforce expresses complaints about hot temperatures. 1 It could reach 31C this week Credit: Getty Images
