In its latest report, “A Well-Adapted UK”, the Climate Change Committee urged the Government to introduce maximum temperature rules for workplaces as part of the country’s climate adaptation strategy.

The committee said rising global temperatures are already creating health risks for workers and argued that statutory limits would encourage employers to invest in cooling measures and safer working environments.

Construction sector raises concerns over practical impact of heat rules

The proposals have also been backed by the GMB Union, which is calling for a legal maximum working temperature to protect employee health and productivity during periods of extreme heat.

However, the National Federation of Builders (NFB) said applying a single temperature threshold across all workplaces would be difficult in practice, particularly within construction where working conditions can vary significantly.

The federation argued that any future policy should instead be based on risk assessments, taking into account factors such as humidity, workload intensity and exposure levels.

Extended construction working hours may be needed

The NFB also warned that any reduction in daytime working hours caused by heat restrictions could require changes to existing construction operating rules.

Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Policy and Market Insight at the NFB, said: “A one size fits all policy for maximum working temperatures is not practicable and as with minimum temperatures, should be led by risk assessment.

“Moreover, nations which have implemented such policies only do so via guidance, while also using work intensity, humidity and exposure at metrics.

“In construction, any loss of working hours would need to be made up elsewhere, therefore the Control of Pollution Act would need to be changed so that construction works and deliveries can operate earlier and later in the day, including at weekends.

“There are also concerns regarding who makes the decision, as almost half of industry is self-employed and not working means not getting paid.”

The GMB Union also acknowledged that more flexible working windows, including earlier mornings and later evenings, may need to be considered for construction workers if maximum temperature regulations are introduced.

Industry calls for guidance-led approach to worker safety

Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders, said worker welfare should remain the priority but argued that guidance and risk management would be more effective than fixed legal limits.

He said: “A worker’s health and safety are paramount and therefore any heat related working practices should be set via guidelines and as part of Risk Assessments.

“This is the practice taken by other nations.”