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All you need to know about work rules as Ireland heatwave on the way

Temperatures could reach highs of more than 30C over the coming days

Ireland is set to experience a heatwave over the coming week as Met Eireann forecasts daytime temperatures to exceed 25C over the coming days.

Many employees will be wondering what their entitlements are regarding work obligations as potential highs of more than 30C are expected.

There are different rules based on whether you're working in an office or working remotely. For those working in an office, there is no maximum temperature in a workplace but there is a minimum.

Here is everything you need to know about employment laws regarding temperatures.

• The Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 states that workplaces must be at least 17.5C. That changes to 16C if rigorous physical work is undertaken.
• The national forecaster defines a heatwave as being five or more consecutive summer days where temperatures of 25C are observed at a Met Eireann station, which looks likely.
• Despite not having a maximum temperature, the act states that employers must ensure the safety of staff.
• The Irish Business and Employers' Confederation say that once employers make an effort to bring the heat down, you won't get a day off.
• It states: "Where an employer is obviously sympathetic and tries to alleviate the worst effects of hot weather most employees should bear with temporary discomfort and continue working normally. Unless conditions are extreme, measures such as those outlined above should prevent any employees justifiably claiming that the company is in breach of its duty under the 2005 Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act. Any refusal by the employees to work would then place them in breach of their contracts of employment, which could lead to loss of pay/disciplinary action."
• Mike Hibbs, employment partner at law firm Shakespeare Martineau, previously told Mirror Money: "The fact that many employees are still working from home does not mean that employers can suddenly forget their health and safety responsibilities. All the usual rules apply, including the need to risk assess homes as suitable working environments. In the workplace, employers usually rely on air conditioning and ventilation to regulate temperatures. However, at home, many employees may not have this option and their only means of keeping cool will be to open windows."

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