Navigating Extreme Weather in Ireland: A Workplace Guide for Employers

Extreme weather conditions can strike us with relatively short warning. Whether it’s snow, rain, sleet, wind, or extreme heat, different kinds of extreme weather can have an impact on our working days. Whether schools or public transport are operational can have a huge effect, as can the feasibility of presenting yourself at your place of work, if site attendance is required.  

Below, we’ve put together some answers to common questions brought up by extreme weather, to aid employers in creating robust solutions for their employees. 

 

Adverse weather like storms, snow and ice, heatwaves or high winds can cause widespread disruption and can be dangerous. Met Éireann has outlined the definition of weather warnings here. 

Met Éireann provides weather warnings to alert the public, typically within 2.5 days of an event, with earlier advisories up to a week in advance. These warnings are classified by severity: 

Employers have a responsibility to assess health and safety risks associated with requiring employees to travel or work during extreme weather. A common-sense approach is vital, prioritising the welfare of employees. Encouraging flexible solutions such as remote work can help mitigate risks. 

 

Extreme Heat

reland’s summer heatwaves may be rare, but when they strike, employers need to be ready. While there’s no legal maximum working temperature, Irish employers still have a duty of care under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to protect their teams in all conditions. That means assessing risks like heat stress - especially for outdoor or manual workers - and putting controls in place, such as shaded rest areas, hydration, or flexible working hours. Monitoring temperatures and recognising early signs of heat exhaustion or stroke (like dizziness, nausea, and confusion) can prevent serious incidents.

Practical solutions can go a long way: remote working to avoid stuffy commutes, earlier start times to beat the peak heat, and light summer perks like ice cream breaks or relaxed dress codes all help keep morale and productivity high. Employers should also be mindful of vulnerable groups, including older workers and those with health conditions, and adjust accordingly.

See also: Too Hot to Work? What Irish Employers Need to Know About the Heatwave | SD Worx

Extreme weather may be unpredictable, but thoughtful preparation and compassionate policies can ensure workplaces remain resilient and employee well-being is prioritised. 

At SD Worx Ireland, we work closely with businesses to develop payroll and workforce management solutions that help navigate challenges posed by extreme weather. Our payroll software ensures accurate and timely payment processing, even during disruptions, while our workforce management tools help companies implement flexible scheduling and remote work policies seamlessly. 

We understand that every business has unique needs, and our expertise in HR and payroll solutions allows us to support organisations in creating adaptable and fair policies for extreme weather events. 

By integrating smart workforce solutions and forward-thinking strategies, companies can build a resilient workplace that prioritises employee safety, business continuity, and long-term success.  Get in touch with SD Worx Ireland to discuss how our solutions can provide reliable payroll solutions to support your team, come rain, hail, or shine! 

Extreme weather may be unpredictable, but thoughtful preparation and compassionate policies can ensure workplaces remain resilient and employee well-being is prioritised. 

At SD Worx Ireland, we work closely with businesses to develop payroll and workforce management solutions that help navigate challenges posed by extreme weather. Our payroll software ensures accurate and timely payment processing, even during disruptions, while our workforce management tools help companies implement flexible scheduling and remote work policies seamlessly. 

We understand that every business has unique needs, and our expertise in HR and payroll solutions allows us to support organisations in creating adaptable and fair policies for extreme weather events. 

By integrating smart workforce solutions and forward-thinking strategies, companies can build a resilient workplace that prioritises employee safety, business continuity, and long-term success.  Get in touch with SD Worx Ireland to discuss how our solutions can provide reliable payroll solutions to support your team, come rain, hail, or shine!