Air conditioning makes a real difference to Farnham businesses, creating a more comfortable working environment and increasing productivity. While there is no legal obligation for employers to provide air conditioning, guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggests that they should.
Let’s take a closer look.
Air conditioning in the workplace – what are the rules?
The HSE advises that workplaces should have a minimum temperature of 16 degrees centigrade, or 13 degrees centigrade if the work is particularly heavy. But there is no maximum temperature.
Why is there no maximum temperature? Because different workplaces have different conditions. For example, factories might see more extreme temperatures than offices. Hospitals are often kept warm to encourage healing. Cafes might be warm near the coffee machine and cooler near the door. For this reason, the HSE doesn’t give an exact maximum temperature for workplaces.
That said, the HSE does offer guidance. As the organisation in charge of health and safety, it wants employers to keep their workers comfortable and safe. The HSE notes that when employees work at a comfortable temperature, their productivity and wellbeing both increase. So, even if as an employer you are not breaking the law by not keeping your work environment comfortable, it’s important to note that you’ll probably see better results if you do.
How can you improve safety and comfort in the workplace?
The HSE has a number of recommendations for managing temperatures in working environments. They vary depending on whether the workplace is likely to be too hot or too cold. The recommendations cover things like assessing risk and identifying signs of heat stress, as well as the role of PPE. They also explain how staff and employers can work together to solve the problem of the working environment being too hot or too cold. You can read the full HSE guidance on workplace temperatures here.
Above all, having the right air conditioning allows employers to keep their workplaces at a constant temperature. This boosts productivity; it could also reduce complaints and grievances, leaving more time to deliver on business goals.
Air conditioning in Farnham
Air conditioning in Farnham workplaces has made a positive difference. Businesses with air conditioning in their premises have made an important step in helping workers bring their best selves to work. This translates into a higher quality of work, completed on time – a great result for your business.
If you think your business premises could benefit from air conditioning, we’d love to hear from you. Explore our site to find out more, or get in touch today on 01483 570120.