What Irish small businesses need to know about workplace temperature rules

When the workplace temperature heats up, it’s not just uncomfortable. It can quickly become a health and safety issue for your team. Whether you work in the construction, care, retail or hospitality sectors, high temperatures can impact productivity, wellbeing, and in some cases, safety.

As an employer you need to know your legal responsibilities, and the practical steps you should be taking during a heatwave, whether you have health & safety software or not.

Is there a legal maximum workplace temperature in Ireland?

Currently there is no legal maximum workplace temperature in Ireland.

Irish law does not set a maximum temperature limit for workplaces. Instead, the law requires employers to keep the temperature at a reasonable level and ensure working conditions are safe.

Under the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005, you must:

• Maintain a reasonable indoor temperature

• Provide clean, fresh air

• Ensure employees can work safely without risk to health

There are guidelines for minimum temperatures (17.5°C after the first hour of work in an office, or 16°C for physical work), but there is no upper limit.

However, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) says that you have a duty of care to protect employees from heat stress, including heat-related illness like dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke.

Why heatwaves are a growing risk for SMEs

Heatwaves aren’t just a rare summer nuisance anymore. They can be frequent and intense in Ireland. Ignoring the heat doesn’t just impact comfort. It can lead to:

• Reduced productivity

• Increased mistakes

• Higher risk of accidents

• Staff burnout or absence

Practical steps to keep your team safe

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are clear best practices you can follow.

For indoor workplaces (offices, retail, salons)

Keep it cool and ventilated:

• Use fans or portable air conditioning where possible

• Keep blinds or curtains closed during peak sun hours

• Open windows early morning or evening for airflow

Adjust how work is done:

• Shift demanding tasks to cooler parts of the day

• Relax dress codes where appropriate

• Offer flexible or remote working where possible

Support your team:

• Provide access to cold drinking water

• Encourage regular breaks

• Check in on anyone who may be more vulnerable (e.g. pregnancy, health conditions)

For outdoor workers (construction, landscaping, trades)

Heat poses a much higher risk outdoors, especially in direct sunlight.

Reduce exposure:

• Start earlier or finish later to avoid peak heat (11am–3pm)

• Rotate tasks so no one is continuously exposed

• Provide shaded rest areas

Prevent dehydration:

• Ensure regular water breaks, not just ‘as needed’

• Encourage workers to drink before they feel thirsty

Protect from the sun:

• Provide PPE suitable for hot weather

• Encourage sunscreen use and covering up

For hospitality and kitchen environments

Kitchens can become dangerously hot during a heatwave.

Control what you can:

• Improve ventilation where possible

• Use extraction systems effectively

• Limit use of heat-generating equipment where feasible

Manage people, not just temperature:

• Rotate staff out of the hottest areas

• Increase break frequency

• Keep hydration easily accessible

For people-facing roles

For teams supporting others, like in care or hospitality, heat risks affect everyone: staff and those in your care.

Take a proactive approach:

• Monitor room temperatures

• Increase fluid intake for both staff and service users

• Adjust routines to reduce physical strain

Risk assessment: your legal safety net

During a heatwave, your risk assessment should be updated or reviewed.

Ask yourself:

• Who is most at risk? (outdoor workers, vulnerable individuals)

• What control measures do we have in place?

• Are staff trained to recognise heat-related illness?

• Do we have a clear process if someone becomes unwell?

Documenting these steps isn’t just good practice. It protects your business if something goes wrong.

Don’t wait until it’s too hot

Heatwaves often catch businesses off guard. The difference between reacting and being prepared can have a huge impact on both your team and your operations.

That’s why having a clear, documented approach is key.

Before the next heatwave hits, make sure you have a plan in place. Download this free Severe Weather Policy template to help you:

• Set clear expectations for staff

• Stay compliant with UK employment law

• Respond quickly when temperatures rise

Keeping your team safe in extreme weather isn’t just about compliance. It’s about doing right by your people. And when they’re looked after, your business runs better too.