Extreme heat is a serious health and safety issue. Equity urges members to take action to protect against working in unsafe, unreasonably hot temperatures, collectively, individually and jointly with engagers.
This month’s heatwave is just the latest in a series of extreme weather events, with record temperatures for May and June both smashed in 2026 already. There are some records you don’t want to break, and these high temperatures bring risks with few rewards.
Equity members are increasingly exposed to dangerously high temperatures at work during heatwaves for which our buildings and infrastructure are not designed, including old theatres, outdoor venues, and stuffy sets. Add in costumes, lighting, physically demanding roles and long hours, and it’s a serious challenge to maintain safe working conditions during a heatwave.
Health and Safety Legislation does not state any maximum indoor or outdoor temperatures for work - but the law classifies heat as a hazard. This means there are legal obligations to assess heat as a risk whether working indoors or outdoors.
We believe that 27 degrees (°C) should be the cut-off for strenuous work – like performing a number in a musical in full costume. Alongside the TUC, we are calling for 30 degrees to be the absolute limit for work.
Equity offers practical advice and guidance, including:
- Our Heat Mitigation Checklist
- 10-step advice on staying safer in heat
- Training for Deps and dedicated health and safety training
- Order a thermometer to check your workplace temperature
- Co-created advice as part of the Theatre Safety Committee (which includes SOLT/UKT) on working in heat
Find out more on our Too Hot to Work? pages.
As the climate crisis escalates, we are likely to face more frequent heatwaves and increasingly unsafe working conditions. Equity campaigns on climate issues and actively seeks a greener, more sustainable industry for our members to work in. We are signatories of SPARK, the Bafta Albert clean energy initiative, signed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty in 2025, and Equity declared a climate emergency in 2021. We have developed the Green Rider for members to use and we are negotiating to have it included as standard in the Pact agreement, covering the majority of UK film and television work.
The Equity for a Green New Deal Network, fights for climate justice in our industries and beyond. Members can join up to get involved in campaigns including fighting for sustainable and accessible workplaces in live performance and recorded media, working to make our union as green as possible, and demonstrating solidarity with other workers who are fighting for a green and just future.
Too Hot to Work?
