Can your employees stop working if it’s too hot?

Summer is here. As Malta’s heatwaves head our way with an ever increasing intensity, it’s important that your teams remain safe, comfortable and productive, no matter the weather. As the temperatures climb to the 30s, what protections are in place for employees? And can they stop working if it gets too hot?

While there is no legal maximum temperature that lets employees legally log off work, responsible businesses and leaders understand that a healthy workforce is a thriving one. 

A recent article on British newspaper The Mirror has sparked a debate about workers’ rights during soaring temperatures, as the UK sees the hottest day of the year approaching with 33 degrees Celsius today.

The UK is arguably less equipped for the heat than Malta. Virtually all offices and cars are equipped with ACs, a necessity in a country that reaches up to 43 degrees Celsius.

And while Malta’s laws don’t specify exact temperature limits, neglecting heat risks could breach the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) guidelines, leading to fines or liability claims. A 2022 Italian court ruling set a European precedent by compensating a worker who suffered heatstroke, emphasising employer accountability.

In both the UK and Malta, there are no direct laws that dictate a maximum temperature limit that would allow employees to stop working, because every workplace is different. No meaningful upper limit can be imposed because in many indoor workplaces high temperatures are not seasonal but created by work activity, for example in bakeries or foundries.

Occupational health and safety regulations do however require you to provide a safe working environment, and this includes thoughtful management of heat-related risks, especially during Malta’s warmest months from June until October.

Multiple studies highlight the dangers of excessive workplace heat:

1. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) warns that temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius can lead to heat stress, reducing productivity by up to 50 per cent in physically demanding jobs (ILO, 2019).
2. A Lancet Planetary Health (2021) study found that worker productivity declines by 2-4 per cent per degree Celsius above 27 degrees Celsius in non-cooled environments.
3. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) reports that heat stress increases workplace accidents by 5 to 7 per cent due to impaired concentration and fatigue.
   

Every workplace has its own rhythm and demands, and what feels comfortable in an air-conditioned office may differ from a bustling kitchen or outdoor worksite. Rather than waiting for discomfort to set in, assessing risks early, implementing thoughtful adjustments such as flexible scheduling, increased hydration breaks, and improved ventilation, can significantly boost morale as the heat intensifies.

Simple measures, like providing shaded rest areas, allowing lighter clothing where appropriate, or shifting strenuous tasks to cooler times of day, can make a meaningful difference in employee wellbeing.  

August often brings peak temperatures, and with them, the chance for businesses to show their commitment to their people. By fostering a culture of care, employers not only meet their legal obligations but also build trust, loyalty, and long-term productivity.

After all, a team that feels supported in challenging conditions is one that performs at its best. With a little foresight and adaptability, the summer heat can be turned into a season of wellbeing, resilience, and shared success.