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When is it too cold to work?
Find out when it may be too cold to work, what UK law says about workplace temperatures, and when you could claim for a cold-related injury.
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When is it too cold to work?
Working in a cold environment can be more than just uncomfortable. If temperatures drop too low, they can become dangerous and increase the risk of accidents, frostbite, hypothermia and other injuries.
Many employees across the UK are exposed to low and freezing temperatures at work, typically in warehouses, construction sites, farms and while making deliveries or collecting rubbish.
This guide details the legal duties of employers regarding cold workplace temperatures, the health risks of working in cold conditions, and what you can do when it’s too cold to work.
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Table of Contents
Why the temperature in the workplace matters
Maintaining an appropriate temperature when working is essential because it directly impacts health, safety and productivity. When it’s too cold to work, the consequences for workers could include:
- Reduced dexterity and increased error rates.
- Slower reaction times.
- Increased risk of accidents.
- Injuries such as hypothermia or frostbite.
- Respiratory issues and worsening existing health conditions.
Maintaining a safe working environment is essential to protect the health and safety of employees and reduce the risk of injury.
What does the law say about working in cold temperatures?
There is no universal minimum or maximum working temperature under UK law. However, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 place a legal duty of care on employers to ensure that employees work in reasonable temperatures.
Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that the minimum temperature for working indoors should normally be:
- 16°C in offices and other workplaces that involve sedentary work.
- 13°C if the work involves sustained physical effort.
Thermal comfort and suitable workplace temperatures can depend on the type of work, the working environment and individual factors.
There is no specific guidance for a minimum temperature when working outside or in freezers. Instead, employers must carry out risk assessments and take measures to provide a safe working environment, as detailed below.
Employer duties when working in the cold
Employers must take reasonable steps to protect employees from injuries when it is too cold to work. These include:
- Protective clothing – Supply warm clothes, insulated gloves, hats and suitable footwear.
- Warm areas – Provide facilities or local heating where workers can warm up.
- Breaks – Allow frequent rest breaks from the cold and rotate jobs when possible.
- Delay work – If possible, wait until the weather is warmer to carry out work outside.
- Training – Educate employees on safe working practices and how to spot the early signs of cold injuries.
What are the health risks of working in cold conditions?
If employers fail to keep you safe from the risk of low temperatures, you could suffer short-term and long-term health issues, such as:
- Chilblains – Small, itchy and painful swellings of the skin, typically on the nose, fingers, toes or earlobes.
- Frostbite – Damage to the skin and tissue of extremities, which can lead to amputation in severe cases.
- Trench foot – Damage to feet caused by prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions.
- Hypothermia – Confusion, shivering and potential coma or death if the body temperature drops below 35°C.
- Other issues – Increased risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), stroke, heart attacks, pneumonia, and other health conditions.
Can I refuse to work in cold workplace conditions?
If the working environment poses a serious and imminent risk to your health and safety, you may have grounds to leave and refuse work. However, before doing so, you should first:
- Raise the issue with your employer, manager or supervisor.
- Request measures such as heating, extra rest breaks or warm clothing.
Refusing unsafe work may be protected under UK health and safety law, but you should follow internal procedures and report risks formally where possible. Under Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, workers may be protected from being treated unfairly if they leave or refuse to return to work because they reasonably believe there is serious and imminent danger.
Practical tips for staying safe when working in cold weather
Whether you are working outdoors or inside, here are a few tips for keeping warm and reducing the risk of accidents and injuries:
- Wear an insulating layer under your work clothes to trap body heat.
- Cover your extremities by wearing a hat, scarf and gloves.
- Wear water-resistant boots and outer layers to stay dry.
- Move regularly and avoid staying in one place for long.
- Consume warm, nutritious drinks and meals.
- Schedule outdoor activities during the warmest part of the day.
When to seek medical attention for a cold injury
You should seek immediate medical attention if you or a co-worker experiences signs of severe frostbite or hypothermia, such as:
- Severe shivering or confusion.
- Skin that turns blue, pale, numb or blistered.
- Slurred speech or poor coordination.
You should still seek prompt medical care if an affected area remains numb or painful, or if you still feel numbness or tingling a few hours after rewarming. Early intervention and treatment are essential to prevent serious injury and long-term consequences.
Can I claim compensation for a cold-weather injury?
Yes. If your employer has failed to provide reasonable working conditions and you suffered harm as a result, you may be able to make a cold injury claim. Compensation can reflect your pain and suffering and cover financial losses and expenses related to your injury.
A personal injury solicitor can assess your case and advise you on your legal options. If you can proceed, they will help you gather supporting evidence and guide you through the claims process.
Key takeaways
Working when it is too cold can lead to severe injuries and long-term health problems. While UK law doesn’t set a fixed minimum temperature, indoor temperatures should normally be kept above 16°C (or 13°C if there is sustained physical activity), and adequate safety measures must be taken when working in the cold outside.
If you believe your health and safety are at serious and imminent risk from cold temperatures, you have the right to raise concerns with your employer and may be able to refuse work if the danger is not addressed.
