How cold is too cold at work? In Ireland there is no single temperature that applies to every workplace, but employers must make sure temperature does not create a risk to health and safety.
No one-size-fits-all temperature
Office work, warehouse work, outdoor delivery and freezer work all have different physical demands. Employers should assess the actual working conditions, including air temperature, draughts, humidity, clothing, workload and exposure time.
Cold areas that are often overlooked
Unheated warehouses, loading bays, cold rooms, freezers and delivery routes can expose workers to cold even when the main workplace feels acceptable. People who stand still, scan, pack or drive for long periods can cool down quickly.
What should employers do?
- Include cold exposure in the risk assessment and safety statement.
- Provide suitable warm clothing and gloves where required.
- Plan warm-up breaks and task rotation.
- Reduce draughts and wet conditions where possible.
- Provide warm rest areas and drying facilities.
- Train staff to recognise cold stress and reduced dexterity.
Can heated workwear help?
Where the space itself cannot be warmed, heated workwear can provide targeted body warmth. It should be used as part of a wider control plan, not as a replacement for PPE, breaks or safe work procedures.
FAQ
Is there a legal minimum workplace temperature in Ireland?
There is no single minimum for every workplace. Temperature must be suitable for the work and assessed in context.
What if a warehouse or loading bay is always cold?
Cold exposure should be assessed and controlled with clothing, breaks, draught reduction, warm rest areas and training.
Explore B2B cold workplace solutions and heated clothing.
