Workplace Temperature Laws Qld

It’s not the first time, nor the last time the temperature of the thermostat in the office has caused disagreements. 

You spend between 8 and 10 hours a day in your workplace, so if you find the temperature to be too high or too low then it can certainly affect you, your work and your comfort levels. 

This became such a widespread issue that governments were forced into legislating laws to put an end to this burning issue and regulate office place temperatures! 

What are Workplace Temperature Laws?

Workplace temperature laws refer to legislation that regulates a certain temperature range in accordance with the seasonal weather that employers have to follow. The purpose of such laws governing temperature is to ensure that employees are provided with an environment that is conducive to their work on a daily basis. Such laws also protect employees from being forced to work in unimaginably difficult temperatures.

Office Temperature Laws in Queensland

Keeping in mind that tempers can run high when temperatures run low, the Australian government enacted a Workplace Health and Safety Regulation in 2011 for the overall well-being of employees. The legislation essentially aims to provide guidelines that employers can use to provide the best-standardised protocols for healthy, safe and comfortable environments for their employees, with the resources and means they have.

And while the law doesn’t quite specify a minimum or maximum temperature, it does indeed focus on workplaces practising the required care, safety and necessary protection for their employees. 

By assessing ideal temperatures for their teams and putting systems in place to provide adequate cooling and heating systems, employers are completing their legal duties in; minimising harm to employees, creating a secure environment and fostering a comfortable work atmosphere that contributes to the physical and mental wellbeing of their teams.

A few ways to set reasonable temperatures are by installing ventilation ducts, making personal protective equipment available in cases of extreme weather conditions. 

What else can employers do for their employees in the workplace when it comes to temperature setting?

1. Provide insulation in specific rooms or enclosed spaces with baseline temperature for employees to sit as they please – not all people like to step outside or take frequent breaks as it disrupts their workflow. In these cases, such rooms are helpful for employees to regulate their temperature and focus on their work.
2. Set up heating and cooling systems to adjust indoor temperatures as required.
3. Assess temperatures and the adjustment with environmental monitoring systems, to provide peak comfort to employees in the workplace.

Other than the above precautions, one of the best ways that employees can be sure that the measures they have taken abide by the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2011, is to conduct risk assessments and thus identify potential hazards before terminating them. 

By discussing these measures with employees and listening to their feedback, employers can protect their teams and even equip them with the skills needed to combat possible mishaps from extreme temperatures. 

Advantages of Installing Air Con Units in Your Office Space

Unless you live in a country where it’s always cold, installing an air conditioning in Queensland brings a number of benefits:

• The first reason for having A.C’s in your workplace is the comfort level. By having a regulated temperature that can be adjusted you’re creating an environment in which your employees are best placed to work effectively.
• The quality of air improves. The filters of the air conditioning unit stop bacteria and pollutants from re-entering the office air. This in turn reduces the chances of the workers being exposed to potentially harmful allergens which could lead to illnesses. 
• When the temperatures climb and it all starts getting a bit hot and stuffy, there’s no better feeling than walking into an AC room – it gives you relief and puts you at ease, putting you in a better place to do your work better. Installing air conditioning units is important – now more than ever – as we have experienced heat waves on a global scale over the past few years.
• An added bonus for offices with a lot of equipment is that the air con’s don’t just cool down the people, but also the expensive and valuable equipment! Though they come with fans built in them, price equipment like CPU’s can overheat when used extensively or in a warm environment. By keeping a cool temperature the air con unit can actually help in preserving and extending the usability of the products. 

Alternatives of Air Conditioners in Workplaces and Offices

Queensland is subject to changing weather conditions and being prepared for all of them is preferred but not always possible. Let’s look into alternatives to maintain a healthy working environment for employees:

• Open those windows! Open all windows and doors and allow for the air to pass through freely. You will get a breeze coming in, and you will also replace the air and oxygen in the vicinity. It is important to be exposed to fresh air regularly and not continue breathing in the same recycled air.
• Air conditioning is expensive, and sometimes the business just doesn’t have the extra cash to invest in it. A much cheaper option is buying portable or desk fans. They create a breeze, and when added to the opening of all the airways can lower the temperature of the room. Given how inexpensive they are and easy to transport, fans should be the next priority if air cons are not possible. 
• Thermal insulation has the same impact, just in reverse, during the summer. If the walls, roof and/or floors of your office with either foam or fibreglass, the insulation will ensure the consistency of the temperature as it slows down the transference of heat inside and outside. If done early it proves to be an economically shrewd and effective decision. 

When deciding what kind of cooling and heating systems you want to implement in your office you have to weigh up a number of factors. You need to take into account the kind of climate you live in. Queensland experiences all seasons so it might be worth considering a cooling system that cools the office down during the summer and can heat it up if needed during the winter.

You also have to see what budget you are working with! If your company has a big budget then it’s worth making the investment in a unit that might cost a lot, but is effective and efficient. However, if your office budget is smaller then you have to be more creative with what you can do. One thing worth mentioning is that it’s best to have a clear strategy from the start, ideally before you move into the offices so that once they become operational there are no disruptions.

FAQ’s

What is the minimum workplace temperature to set the thermostat on?

General workplace practises suggest – based on approved Codes of Practice in the Workplace regarding health and safety – that when working indoors, employees should have a comfortable work atmosphere with a minimum temperature set at 16°C, normally. 

What should I do if my air conditioning breaks down?

There can be a number of reasons why your air con has stopped working, from filters that are too clogged up to the fan not working and cooling correctly. If your unit has removable filters which you are meant to clean yourself, you can try and do that. If that doesn’t work or if your unit doesn’t have removable filters, then call the experts with the technical knowledge. It’s not advisable to try and fix it yourself unless you have the expertise, as you don’t want to pay a significant amount for repairs.