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c/unitedkingdom · by Veserr@sh.itjust.works · 66d

Why there’s no legal “too hot to work” temperature in the UK

https://www.lboro.ac.uk/media-centre/press-releases/2026/may/too-hot-to-work-limit/

38 points · 7 comments · view on lemmy.world

7 Comments

Zombie@feddit.uk · 20 pts · 66d (1 reply)

This article doesn't really explain why, just that it's complicated.

That doesn't prevent upper limits being put into place though, with scales based upon types of work, humidity, and break/water access.

For example:

  • 45°C is too hot in all circumstances
  • 40°C is too hot at x% humidity
  • 35°C is too hot at y% humidity
  • 38°C is too hot at z% humidity if manual labour but okay for office work
  • Any work above 30°C can be refused if water and 5m breaks every 30m aren't provided

But that bring us to the real reason for why, productivity may be affected and that would hurt the pockets of the wealthy.

yakko@feddit.uk · 6 pts · 66d

Then make CEOs pay a weregild to the families of their slain workers, possibly equal to a small multiple of the maximum value of their productive labour for the rest of their working career, with additional considerations for pain and suffering. Anything less is a patently unbalanced equation.

BrightCandle@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 66d

Realistically it needs to take account of the wet bulb temperature since the UK has quite a varied humidity and it also likely needs to account for exertion as well.

Korhaka@sopuli.xyz · 6 pts · 66d

Maximum outdoor temperature or working temperature? Worked in places far hotter than the outdoor temperature, eventually went home sick because it felt like I would have got heatstroke if I remained for longer. Cool shower and a lot of water when I got home and started feeling better after a few hours.

Frozentea725@feddit.uk · -16 pts · 66d (2 replies)

It 45 deg in north india ATM, we should really get a grip

hellothere@sh.itjust.works · 16 pts · 66d (1 reply)

Ikr, it's like -22 at McMurdo station, people complaining about the weather are dumb bitches.

tal@lemmy.today · 6 pts · 66d