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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.

Guide summary

You must provide a workplace that meets minimum health, safety and welfare standards. This includes keeping temperatures at least 16°C for office work and 13°C for physical work, giving fresh air (5-8 litres per second per person), and providing enough toilets and washbasins based on how many people you employ. You also need suitable lighting, at least 11 cubic metres of space per person, and rest areas with seats and eating facilities. You could face an unlimited fine if you do not comply.

  • Keep workplace temperature at least 16°C for office work and 13°C for physical work
  • Provide 5 to 8 litres of fresh air per second for each worker
  • Give suitable lighting with natural light where possible
  • Provide 1 toilet and 1 washbasin for the first 5 employees
  • Give each worker at least 11 cubic metres of workspace
  • Provide rest areas with seats and tables for eating
  • Keep the workplace clean and repair damage promptly
  • You could face an unlimited fine for not meeting these rules
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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

The regulations require a reasonable working temperature. HSE guidance suggests the following temperatures as practical starting points:

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.