Is there a minimum working temperature?

falko89

Just discovered with the cold weather starting my work doesn't have any heating, well I say it doesn't have any heating, the offices all have heating and are constantly warm while the factory floor has none, combined with a leaky roof its all gonna be great fun and we're not in the winter yet, I've often found it warmer stood outside.

denla

What kind of factory is it? If it's a factory where there's a lot of steamwork etc then I'd understand them thinking you'd be sweating all the time anyway.

falko89

denla wrote: »

What kind of factory is it? If it's a factory where there's a lot of steamwork etc then I'd understand them thinking you'd be sweating all the time anyway.

No, we make wooden furniture. I mean there is not even warm water in the toilets to wash ur hands. Its more the annoyance that the office staff have the life of riley with heating in winter and air con in summer, warm water and all the rest, the oil heating lorry is in every other week so god know the amount of oil they are using to heat the offices. Bringing in our own little blow heaters would be useless as the place is so big

globalds

You could get yourself some thermal underwear ..

Danfuss

Falko, there are guidelines available from the HSE - Workplace health, safety and welfare: A short guide for managers - which you might find useful. These describe what the employer should provide and including working temperatures and lavatory facilities.

falko89

Danfuss wrote: »

Falko, there are guidelines available from the HSE - Workplace health, safety and welfare: A short guide for managers - which you might find useful. These describe what the employer should provide and including working temperatures and lavatory facilities.

Thanks will have a search, I think "Should" is the relevant word here.

denla

No warm water in the toilet facilities... that's pushing it too far. -____-

Complain.

denla

globalds wrote: »

You could get yourself some thermal underwear ..

You'll need more than that. And why should every worker in the factory purchase their own thermal clothing from their own pocket when the employer is suppose to ensure reasonable working conditions? But this might be easier to negotiate. Ask employer to supply everyone with thermal jacket and gloves OR heating for the entire factory floor.

falko89

'The temperature in workrooms should provide reasonable comfort without the need for special clothing. Where such a temperature is impractical because of hot or cold processes, all reasonable steps should be taken to achieve a temperature which is as close as possible to comfortable. 'Workroom' means a room where people normally work for more than short periods.

The temperature in workrooms should normally be at least 16 degrees Celsius unless much of the work involves severe physical effort in which case the temperature should be at least 13 degrees Celsius. These temperatures may not, however, ensure reasonable comfort, depending on other factors such as air movement and relative humidity.'

Interesting should be 13'c in my case probably but if its not tough !!!!! really I guess, Doesn't mention anything about warm water.

falko89

denla wrote: »

You'll need more than that. And why should every worker in the factory purchase their own thermal clothing from their own pocket when the employer is suppose to ensure reasonable working conditions? But this might be easier to negotiate. Ask employer to supply everyone with thermal jacket and gloves OR heating for the entire factory floor.

Easier just to get rid of the trouble maker which is what would happen which is why no one says anything. I remember in my last job several times when all employees got together and complained over several issues, from overtime to changes in working hours etc etc, in the end we got what we wanted, this bunch don't have this mentality, no one backs anyone else.

globalds

denla wrote: »

You'll need more than that. And why should every worker in the factory purchase their own thermal clothing from their own pocket when the employer is suppose to ensure reasonable working conditions? But this might be easier to negotiate. Ask employer to supply everyone with thermal jacket and gloves OR heating for the entire factory floor.

If you want to stay warm ..buy something to keep yourself warm.

My work area is impossible to heat or cool.

My company provide work wear but if I feel cold I look after myself.
I have worked for a while in an unheated warehouse and the company issued ski pants and jackets ..I am sure if the OP discusses his concerns with management they will help with the costs ...No one wants unhappy staff.
But the idea that a minimum temperature has to be maintained is ludicrous when many workplaces are actually open to the elements.