Resolving problems about workplace temperature

If an employee is concerned that their workplace temperature is too high or too low, they should follow these steps:

• The employee should alert their immediate supervisor to the problem.
• If they know of a solution to the problem they should also advise their supervisor of this.
• If the supervisor will not deal with the problem or the employee believes the problem has not been fixed, they should contact they supervisor’s manager and/or their organisation’s health and safety representative (if it has one).
• If the matter is still unresolved, and the employee continues to believe that the unsafe situation still exists, he/she could contact the local Department of Labour Health and Safety Office for further advice.
• If the issue becomes an employment relationship problem, the employee may choose to seek mediation assistance. Mediation is a free and impartial service that helps employers and employees resolve disagreements. For further information, please refer to online publications 'What you need to know about Temperature in Places of Work' and 'Guidelines for the Management of Work in Extremes of Temperature'.