Not to be dramatic, but it should be a criminal offence to be made work when the sun shines in Ireland.
If you've had the unfortunate luck of having to work this week, you'll have undoubtedly suffered the clamminess that is the hot weather. Some say we're being dramatic but with it currently being 17°C outside and Met Eireann are predicting temperatures to rise to 27°C later on today, the Irish Summer has officially begun.
Now, don't get us wrong, we are all here for this heatwave but it's next to impossible to do anything except turn like a pig on a spit. Offices are disgusting. Workwear is disgusting. The commute is disgusting.
With schools in France being sent home as a result of high temperatures, it got us thinking, just how hot does it have to be to be sent home?
The topic is somewhat of a tricky subject as unlike France, there is no law that entitles you to a day off if your workplace is too warm. According to the IBEC, the group that represents Irish businesses, there is no legal maximum or minimum temperature for a workplace.
"Under Irish legislation, no maximum temperature for a workplace is prescribed."
Now before you go and pack six fans for your desk alone, there is a loophole - sort of. They also state that under the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act, 20005: employers are obliged to assess risks to the health and safety of their workers where necessary (aka if the workplace temperature rises too high)
"An employer does, however, have a general duty under the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 to ensure the safety, health and welfare of all employees. The temperature of the workplace, whether too hot or too cold for comfort may have some effect on welfare and possible health."
However, The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations state temperatures should be at least 17.5C, or 16C if the work involves rigorous physical effort.
While these temperatures are not absolute legal requirements, should the temperature in your office rise above 17.5°C, you could have quite the case on your hands. If a significant number of employees are complaining about the temperature then your employer should carry out a risk assessment. The Health and Safety Authority said employers should start taking measures to cool the workplace down if the temperature shoots up. They also recommend that employers should also relax dress codes, including allowing staff to remove ties and jackets, as well as wearing casual lightweight clothing.
Although it may not be the day off you were hoping for, it could result in a fridge stocked with ice creams, fans and/or water - all of which will help.
Main image by @federicola on Instagram
READ: The Best Non-Melting Bases Ahead Of This Week's Heatwave
