Working in a cold office

crushedvelvet
crushedvelvet Online Community Member Posts: 7 Listener
in Work

My work place have moved to a new office, it's always cold to the point we often have to put our coats on. The heating is often off and the air con is set to blowing out cold air. We don't have any access to the temperature controls. We have all complained but nothing changes. We've been told there's a fault and they have no access to it.

I have arthritis and it's more to me than just being cold, my joints start to really really hurt. It makes me want to quit the job as it feels like torture to the point I'm dreading going to work sitting all day with cold air being blown on me. It's been like this for months and I can't take it anymore. I hate how it's increasing my pain. I've spoken out about it and I was given a hot water bottle...

Im sure they think I'm just being a moaner over it and get given looks like I need to just grow up and get over it and put up with it as everyone else is.

Comments

  • crushedvelvet
    crushedvelvet Online Community Member Posts: 7 Listener
  • Sandy_123
    Sandy_123 Scope Member Posts: 63,002 Championing

    Hi @crushedvelvet that sounds awful, maybe send a email to head office, I know if the temperature is below a certain degree it can be under health &safety.

  • MW123
    MW123 Scope Member Posts: 1,129 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/132187/working-in-a-cold-office

    You have every right to raise concerns about working in such cold conditions, especially given their effect on your arthritis and overall health. Under the UK's Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations, employers are required to maintain indoor temperatures of at least 16°C, or 13°C for physically demanding work. While there's no legal maximum temperature, employers must ensure that environmental conditions do not adversely affect worker's health and safety.

    Additionally, if your arthritis qualifies as a disability under the Equality Act 2010, your employer has a legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your condition. The claim that your employer cannot control the air conditioning is concerning and may point to broader workplace safety issues.

    In your situation, it would be advisable to submit a formal written complaint to HR or management, detailing how the cold is affecting your health and requesting a risk assessment. Employers are legally bound to provide a safe and comfortable working environment, and you should not feel compelled to leave your job due to these inadequate conditions.

    Under UK law, you have the right to a safe and comfortable workplace, and you are protected by law when asserting this right.

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