HSE Heatwave Guidance: What It Could Mean for Scaffolders

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is developing proposals to strengthen guidance on working during periods of extreme heat. While the UK currently has no legal maximum workplace temperature, forthcoming updates are expected to give clearer direction to employers on heat stress management for outdoor, physically demanding roles such as scaffolding.

Where Things Stand Now

Under current UK law and guidance, there is a commonly referenced minimum workplace temperature for strenuous work, but no legal maximum temperature. Employers are already required to assess risks and take reasonably practicable measures to protect workers. The HSE’s developing proposals are expected to reinforce and clarify what good heat risk management looks like in practice.

What the Updated Guidance May Emphasise

• Heat stress risk assessment: Formal consideration of temperature, radiant heat, humidity, workload, clothing/PPE and individual factors.
• Work/rest regimes: More frequent breaks and recovery time during peak heat.
• Shade and hydration: Ready access to shaded/cool areas and potable water.
• Task and time planning: Scheduling heavier tasks for cooler parts of the day; earlier starts to avoid midday heat.
• Heat-appropriate PPE and clothing: Lighter, breathable options where compatible with safety requirements.
• Pause/adjust thresholds: Clear triggers for temporarily halting or modifying work when heat indicators are exceeded.

HSE Heatwave Rules Scaffolding – Specific Considerations for Scaffolders

Scaffolding is often performed on exposed structures with limited natural shade and at height, increasing the risk of heat stress, dehydration and fatigue. The strengthened guidance may encourage the sector to:

• Shift start times earlier and compress heavy lifts into cooler windows.
• Introduce mandatory shaded rest breaks and supervised hydration protocols.
• Review PPE specifications for hot weather while maintaining safety performance.
• Adapt method statements and lift plans to reflect heat controls.
• Build weather-related downtime into programmes and client communications.

Employer Actions to Consider Now

• Update risk assessments to explicitly address heat stress and environmental exposure.
• Implement heat response plans (work/rest cycles, breaks, shade, water, supervision).
• Train supervisors to recognise heat illness and intervene early.
• Monitor weather forecasts and onsite conditions (e.g., heat index) and plan accordingly.
• Engage with workers on fit-for-work considerations and early reporting of symptoms.

How Safety & Access Can Help

We support scaffolding contractors with practical guidance, training and toolbox talks tailored to heat risk. Our aim is to help employers implement proportionate, workable controls that keep people safe while minimising disruption to programmes.

FAQs: Heatwave Guidance and Scaffolding

Is there a legal maximum workplace temperature in the UK?

No legal maximum currently exists. Employers must still manage heat-related risks so work can be carried out safely.

Could scaffolders stop work during extreme heat?

Under strengthened guidance, employers may be expected to pause or adjust work when conditions exceed defined thresholds in their heat stress assessments.

What controls are likely to be expected?

Risk assessments, planned breaks, shade and hydration, time-of-day scheduling, suitable PPE, and clear triggers to pause or modify work.

HSE heatwave rules scaffolding: Will there be a fixed temperature cut-off?

Proposals in development are expected to emphasise risk-based management rather than a single statutory maximum. Final details will depend on the published guidance.

What should employers do now?

Review risk assessments, implement practical heat controls, monitor conditions, brief teams, and plan for schedule flexibility during hot periods.

When will the HSE publish the updated guidance?

Detailed proposals are expected in due course. Safety & Access will share updates when officially released.

For tailored advice on the HSE heatwave rules scaffolding or training support, contact Safety & Access.