Following recent periods of extreme heat, the Government has confirmed that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will launch a public consultation during 2026 on proposed changes to the Approved Code of Practice for the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, including the provisions relating to workplace temperature.

In a written parliamentary answer, Sir Stephen Timms confirmed that HSE is reviewing the Approved Code of Practice to ensure it remains fit for purpose in modern workplaces. The consultation will provide employers, workers and other interested parties with an opportunity to respond to the proposed changes.

Keep reading as we explain why the review matters, how excessive heat affects workplace health and safety, what could change and the practical steps employers should take now.

Why the review matters

In Great Britain, there is currently no maximum legal workplace temperature. Instead, employers are required to provide a “reasonable” indoor temperature under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and must assess and control risks to employees’ health and safety under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

However, as temperatures continue to rise, many believe the existing framework lacks the clarity needed to help employers determine when additional controls are necessary. Recent debate has centred on whether a specific maximum workplace temperature should be introduced.

Public interest is also increasing. A Parliamentary petition calling for a legally binding maximum temperature of 25°C for indoor and outdoor work has attracted more than 7,500 signatures. Separately, the TUC and UNISON support a maximum indoor working temperature of 30°C, reduced to 27°C for strenuous work.

The health and safety impact of heat

Excessive workplace heat can significantly affect physical and mental performance. Employees working in hot conditions may experience fatigue, dehydration, heat exhaustion, impaired concentration and an increased likelihood of errors and accidents. Certain groups, including outdoor workers, those undertaking strenuous physical activity, pregnant workers, older employees and workers with existing health conditions, may be particularly vulnerable.

Recent periods of extreme heat have reinforced the need for employers to prepare for rising temperatures and to consider whether existing workplace protections and guidance remain suitable for a changing climate.

What could change?

While the outcome of the consultation is yet to be determined, the review may consider introducing clearer guidance for employers, including recommended temperature thresholds and practical control measures. The British Safety Council has argued that regulations should include explicit protections against both excessive heat and cold, supported by statutory guidance that provides temperature triggers and proportionate risk controls rather than relying solely on fixed limits.

This approach would help organisations better understand when additional measures are required while allowing flexibility to account for different working environments and activities.

What employers should be doing now

Regardless of any future changes to the ACOP or associated guidance, employers already have a legal duty to assess and manage heat-related risks.

Practical measures may include:

• Reviewing existing risk assessments to ensure that heat-related risks, affected workers and appropriate controls have been properly considered.
• Providing access to cool drinking water.
• Improving ventilation and air circulation.
• Adjusting work schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
• Allowing more frequent rest breaks.
• Providing shaded areas for outdoor workers.
• Monitoring vulnerable employees and ensuring suitable welfare arrangements are in place.
• Consulting workers and safety representatives about thermal comfort and suitable controls.
• Providing information on the symptoms of heat stress and what workers should do if they or a colleague become unwell.

Looking ahead

The forthcoming HSE consultation presents an important opportunity to shape the future of workplace temperature management in Great Britain. As climate patterns continue to change, organisations should expect greater scrutiny of how heat risks are assessed and controlled.

For health and safety professionals, the key message remains clear: extreme heat is not simply a comfort issue but a workplace health and safety risk that requires proactive management. By reviewing arrangements now, employers can better protect their workforce while preparing for any future changes to the ACOP and associated guidance.

If you have any questions or would like advice on managing workplace temperatures and heat-related risks, contact us today.