Ireland heatwave: Rules on leaving work during extreme heat explained
As temperatures head towards 30C this week, many Irish workers may be wondering if they can leave work due to the heat.
Sweltering heat has engulfed Ireland, and it's only going to get hotter. Temperatures have been rising steadily, with highs forecast to reach up to 30C - a real scorcher for Ireland, where the official heatwave definition is at least five consecutive days over 25C.
Met Eireann has issued a rare five day weather advisory for the entire country, running from 12 noon Monday until 9am Friday. It states: "Exceptionally warm weather will occur over Ireland this week. Daytime temperatures will exceed 25C, with temperatures possibly reaching 30C on Thursday.
"Very mild, humid and possibly uncomfortable at night as temperatures will generally stay above 15C . Thunderstorms are possible also, particularly on Thursday.
"Potential impacts include water safety issues due to increased use of lakes/beaches, uncomfortable sleeping conditions and heat stress."
A separate nationwide Status Yellow high temperature warning has also been issued and runs from 12 noon Tuesday until 9am Friday.
For many, that means BBQs, beach trips and ice creams. But for workers stuck in stuffy offices, on muggy factory floors or even at home without air con, the heat can feel unbearable, leaving many to wonder: When it gets this hot, are you within your rights to leave work?
The rules can differ based on whether you're working in an office or working from home.
At present, Irish law sets a minimum workplace temperature (17.5C, or 16C for physically demanding jobs) but no maximum limit. Employers are legally obliged to keep staff safe, but as long as they're making "reasonable efforts" - such as providing fans, adjusting dress codes or offering water breaks - you're unlikely to be sent home on full pay just because the office feels like a sauna.
But that could soon change. Last year, Labour's health spokesperson Marie Sherlock called for legally defined maximum temperature limits in workplaces, warning that with climate change driving more frequent and intense heatwaves, the risk to workers' health is growing.
She's backing calls from the European Trade Union Confederation for a binding EU directive on occupational heat exposure, similar to laws in Germany (26C max) and Spain (27C).
Marie said prolonged high temperatures "may feel like a novelty in Ireland, the reality for some workers is far from pleasant - and, in some cases, it may be dangerous" especially in poorly ventilated spaces or outdoors without shade and water. She wants mandatory heat risk assessments, workplace cooling plans and financial supports so no worker loses out if their workplace shuts early during extreme heat.
Until any such laws are passed, the Irish Business and Employers' Confederation's stance is that most employees should "bear with temporary discomfort" if the employer is making a reasonable effort to cool things down. Refusing to work without extreme conditions could be seen as a breach of contract.
And while that covers traditional offices and worksites, the rules get murkier for those working from home - often without air con or proper ventilation.
Mike Hibbs, employment partner at law firm Shakespeare Martineau, told Mirror Money: "The fact that many employees are still working from home does not mean that employers can suddenly forget their health and safety responsibilities. All the usual rules apply, including the need to risk assess homes as suitable working environments.
"In the workplace, employers usually rely on air conditioning and ventilation to regulate temperatures. However, at home many employees may not have this option and their only means of keeping cool will be to open windows."
Open windows can create more problems than it solves depending on your work. Mike said: "The potential for disturbance by noisy neighbours and street noise can make this impractical, especially if their work involves making telephone or video calls."
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