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article  /  1st May 2026

Working in Hot Weather: Managing Sun Exposure and UV Risks in the Workplace

SECTION GUIDE

Managing the risks of working in hot weather, sun exposure, and UV Radiation 

Working in hot weather presents a range of health and safety risks that are often underestimated. For organisations with outdoor workers, managing sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) radiation is essential to protect employees and ensure legal compliance. 

Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) makes clear that heat and sun exposure are workplace hazards that must be assessed and controlled in the same way as any other risk. 

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  • Risks of Sun Exposure and UV Radiation at Work 

    Exposure to UV radiation is a significant occupational health risk. Prolonged or repeated exposure can lead to skin damage, premature ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. 

    Occupational health evidence shows that long-term outdoor working without adequate protection has contributed to significant numbers of skin cancer cases across the UK workforce. Repeated episodes of sunburn during work activities have been identified as a key contributing factor. 

    This highlights that the risks from sun exposure are not limited to short-term discomfort, they can result in serious, long-term health consequences. 

  • Risks of working in hot weather 

    Working in hot conditions can lead to heat stress, which occurs when the body cannot regulate its internal temperature effectively. Symptoms may include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, confusion and muscle cramps. In more severe cases, this can develop into heat exhaustion or heatstroke. 

    Hot weather can also impact safety performance. Reduced concentration and increased fatigue can increase the likelihood of incidents, particularly when operating machinery, working at height, or undertaking manual handling activities. 

  • Who is most at risk? 

    Those most at risk include: 

    • Outdoor workers such as construction, parks and leisure, drivers, utilities and maintenance operatives 
    • Employees working in hot indoor environments (eg plant rooms, kitchens, warehouses) 
    • Workers wearing heavy or restrictive PPE 
    • Individuals with underlying health conditions or those not acclimatised to heat 

    Employers should ensure that risk assessments consider both environmental conditions and individual vulnerabilities. 

Control measures for sun exposure and hot weather 

Managing the risks of working in hot weather requires a combination of planning, supervision and practical controls: 

  • Plan work activities 

    Schedule physically demanding tasks for cooler parts of the day and rotate workers where possible.

  • Provide shade and rest areas 

    Ensure access to shaded or cooler areas for breaks to reduce prolonged exposure. 

  • Ensure adequate hydration 

    Provide a constant supply of drinking water and encourage regular intake. Limit caffeine and sugary drinks which may contribute to dehydration. 

  • Provide suitable clothing and PPE 

    Use lightweight, breathable clothing that covers the skin. Consider UV-protective PPE, including hats and safety glasses. 

  • Use sunscreen effectively 

    Encourage use of at least SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapplied regularly throughout the working day. 

  • Monitor and supervise 

    Train staff to recognise early signs of heat stress and encourage workers to report symptoms promptly. 

working in hot weather

Training and awareness

Effective management relies on awareness. Workers should understand the risks associated with sun exposure and hot weather, and the control measures in place to protect them. 

Toolbox talks are an effective way to reinforce key messages, including hydration, recognising symptoms of heat-related illness, and correct use of sunscreen. Supervisors play a key role in ensuring consistent communication and compliance. 

  • Legal duties for Employers 

    Under UK health and safety legislation, including the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, employers must provide a working environment that is safe and without risks to health, including maintaining a reasonable temperature and adequate welfare facilities. 

    Failure to manage risks from sun exposure and heat may result in enforcement action, particularly where basic controls such as drinking water, rest breaks or shade are not provided. 

  • A proactive approach to managing hot weather risks 

    Managing sun exposure and hot weather risks should not simply a seasonal issue, but a proactive and structured approach. The evidence linking occupational UV exposure to long-term health outcomes reinforces the need for effective controls. 

    By integrating these measures into everyday planning, organisations can protect their workforce, reduce the risk of incidents, and demonstrate compliance with UK health and safety requirements. 

Your Questions Answered

Everything you need to know about working in hot weather

  • What are the risks of working in hot weather? Reveal

    Working in hot weather can lead to heat stress, dehydration, heat exhaustion and, in severe cases, heatstroke. It can also reduce concentration and increase the likelihood of workplace accidents. 

  • Is sun exposure a workplace hazard? Reveal

    Yes. The Health and Safety Executive recognises UV radiation from the sun as a workplace hazard, particularly for outdoor workers. Employers are required to assess and control this risk. 

  • What SPF sunscreen should be used at work? Reveal

    A minimum of SPF 30 is recommended, with protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen should be reapplied regularly, especially after sweating. 

  • Who is most at risk from UV exposure at work? Reveal

    Outdoor workers, including those in construction, agriculture and maintenance roles, are most at risk. However, anyone exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods during work activities may be affected. 

  • How can employers reduce the risks of working in hot weather? Reveal

    Employers can reduce risks by planning work to avoid peak heat, providing shade and rest breaks, ensuring access to drinking water, supplying suitable PPE, and training workers to recognise symptoms of heat-related illness. 

  • Can employers be prosecuted for failing to manage heat risks? Reveal

    Yes. Failure to adequately assess and control risks associated with heat and sun exposure can lead to enforcement action under UK health and safety legislation. 

Our Approach For organisations seeking support, impact HR can provide tailored advice, risk assessments and practical guidance to help manage the risks of working in hot weather and ensure ongoing compliance. 

Where to find out more A collection of hand-picked useful resources for working in the heat from impact HR and beyond

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