MAXIMUM WORKING TEMPERATURE

Early day motion 414, tabled 15 July 2013 by Linda Riordan (Labour). Signed by 30 members.

That this House notes that whilst there is a legal minimum workplace indoor temperature there is no legal maximum workplace temperature, so that conditions can vary greatly from employer to employer; further notes that whilst Regulation 7 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the associated Approved Code of Practice suggests that the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable, this guidance leaves considerable uncertainty as to the upper limit beyond which control measures must be in place; understands that employees in a wide range of workplaces - from industrial bakeries to school classrooms - are often subjected to high temperatures which can impact seriously on their health and well-being, with effects ranging from discomfort, stress, irritability and headaches, to extra strain on the heart and lungs, dizziness and fainting and heat cramps due to loss of water and salt; observes that the consequent reduction in cognitive function, attention span and visual motor tracking can contribute to workplace accidents and fatalities; commends the Trades Union Congress for passing a resolution in 2012 adopting a maximum working temperature as its official policy; and therefore urges the Government to resolve uncertainty for employers about their duty to combat excessive heat in the workplace by introducing a maximum working workplace temperature of 30C (86F) and of 27C (81F) for those doing strenuous work.

Signatures by party: Labour 23, Plaid Cymru 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, DUP 1, Independent 1, Scottish National Party 1.