Provide a safe and healthy workplace environment

How to meet your legal duties under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Covers temperature, ventilation, lighting, toilets, rest areas, and space requirements for employers.

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Guide summary

You must keep your workplace safe and comfortable for workers. Check temperature, ventilation, lighting, toilets, and space meet minimum standards. Provide rest areas and keep all areas clean. These rules apply to offices, shops, factories, and most workplaces.

  • Keep offices at least 16°C and physical work areas at least 13°C
  • Provide fresh air (5-8 litres per second per person)
  • Ensure suitable lighting throughout the workplace
  • Provide at least 1 toilet and washbasin per 5 employees
  • Allow 11 cubic metres of space per person
  • Give workers rest areas with seating
  • Keep all facilities clean and in good repair
  • Protect pregnant workers with private rest space
  • Use emergency lighting where needed
  • Check ventilation systems work properly
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Related guides in Compliance & Legal

Every workplace must meet basic health, safety, and welfare standards. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 set minimum requirements for the physical environment - from temperature and ventilation to toilets and rest facilities.

These regulations apply to most workplaces including offices, shops, factories, schools, and hotels. They cover both the building fabric and the facilities you provide for workers.

Temperature in the workplace

You must maintain a reasonable working temperature. The regulations set minimum temperatures as a starting point:

While there is no legal maximum temperature, you must still manage heat risks. If temperatures become uncomfortable or dangerous, consider:

  • Improving ventilation and air circulation
  • Providing fans or portable air conditioning
  • Shading windows from direct sunlight
  • Allowing flexible dress codes
  • Providing cold drinking water
  • Adjusting work schedules during heat waves

The TUC recommends a maximum of 30°C for sedentary work and 27°C for physical work, though these are not legal limits.

Ventilation and lighting

Workers need adequate fresh air and suitable lighting to work safely and comfortably:

Ventilation considerations:

  • Natural ventilation through windows is acceptable in many workplaces
  • Mechanical ventilation should provide 5-8 litres per second per person
  • Air conditioning systems need regular maintenance and filter changes
  • In shared spaces, ensure adequate air changes to reduce airborne transmission of illness

Lighting considerations:

  • Natural light is preferred where reasonably practicable
  • Lighting must be sufficient for the work being done (more for detailed tasks)
  • Avoid glare and harsh shadows
  • Emergency lighting is needed where sudden loss of light creates danger

Toilets and washing facilities

You must provide adequate sanitary facilities based on the number of people at work:

These are minimum requirements. Consider providing additional facilities if:

  • Workers need to use toilets frequently (physical work, pregnancy)
  • Facilities are far from workstations
  • Peak usage times create queues

Toilets must be kept clean, adequately ventilated, and have a supply of toilet paper. Washing facilities should have hot and cold water, soap, and drying facilities.

Workspace and room dimensions

Workers need adequate space to move around and work safely:

The 11 cubic metres figure is a minimum, not a target. Most office work needs more space than this minimum. Consider:

  • Room for movement between workstations
  • Clear escape routes
  • Space for furniture and equipment
  • Access for maintenance and cleaning

Rest areas and eating facilities

You must provide suitable rest facilities for workers:

Rest areas do not need to be a dedicated room - a clean, comfortable area away from workstations is acceptable for smaller workplaces. However, workers must be able to eat away from areas contaminated by substances hazardous to health.

For pregnant workers and nursing mothers: You should provide a private, clean room where they can rest, express milk, or lie down if needed. This should not be a toilet.

Maintenance and cleanliness

The workplace must be kept clean and in good repair:

  • Regular cleaning of floors, furniture, and equipment
  • Prompt repair of damaged flooring, lighting, and equipment
  • Clear traffic routes free from obstructions
  • Safe storage of materials
  • Proper waste disposal

Floors must be suitable for the work - slip-resistant where wet or oily conditions occur, even and free from holes or damage that could cause trips.

Common questions

Does this apply to home workers? The Workplace Regulations do not apply to domestic premises. However, you still have health and safety duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act. You should help home workers set up a safe working environment.

What about construction sites? Construction sites are covered by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, which have specific welfare requirements.

Can workers bring their own food? Yes. You must provide facilities for them to store and heat food, and a clean area to eat it. If workers cannot leave the premises, you must ensure they can obtain food.