Suche
Mein Konto
Heat free? This is how European countries protect their workers from the embers!
Find out what heat protection measures are taken in Europe and how occupational safety is regulated in extreme temperatures.
Heat free? This is how European countries protect their workers from the embers!
Summer has us firmly in its grip and with it the oppressive heat, which has caused some challenges at work in the last few weeks. While comprehensive measures to protect employees from extreme temperatures have already been implemented in countries such as Spain, Italy, Greece and Turkey, the regulations in Germany remain comparatively relaxed.
The view of Greece is particularly exciting, where tourist attractions such as the Acropolis close when temperatures exceed 40 degrees. To protect the population and employees, the Greek Ministry of Labor opens air-conditioned public buildings during heat waves. There is even a ban on working outside between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Violations can lead to hefty penalties of up to 2,000 euros per affected employee, as Schwarzwälder Bote reports.
Heat protection regulations in Europe
In Spain, the legal regulations on heat protection were tightened in 2023. Here, employers are obliged to install awnings and set up drinking water points. When heat warnings reach orange or red, outdoor work must be restricted or even stopped altogether. Anyone who ignores this can face fines of up to almost one million euros. France, on the other hand, requires employers to provide at least three liters of water per employee.
Another European example is Romania: Here the employer has to adapt the work program if there is extreme heat. Work may stop between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and water must also be provided. In contrast, in Italy no uniform protective measures are established; rather, some regions have issued their own anti-heat regulations.
The situation in Germany
In Germany, on the other hand, there are hardly any legal rights to time off in the heat. Although the employer has duties of care in accordance with occupational health and safety law and the workplace regulations, there are no general temperatures for “heat-free”. The workplace rule “ASR A3.5 Room temperature” sheds light on employers’ obligations, but does not remain legally binding. Specific limit values are important: if the temperature exceeds 26 degrees Celsius, the employer should take action, and if the temperature exceeds 35 degrees, the workplace is no longer suitable. The Haufe explains the associated obligations in detail.
The table below shows some regulations in various European countries:
| country | Measures | Punish |
|---|---|---|
| Greece | Opening of air-conditioned buildings, ban on outdoor work between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m | Up to 2,000 euros |
| Spain | Awnings, drinking water points, working outside during heat warnings | Up to 1 million euros |
| France | Providing at least 3 liters of water per employee | No precise information |
| Italy | Regional regulations | No uniform penalties |
Effects of heat on health
As temperatures rise, not only employers but also employees are increasingly exposed to health risk factors. Heat stress can lead to nausea, a feeling of weakness or even heat collapse, as explained in the DGUV Forum. Employers are therefore obliged to take appropriate protective measures and carry out risk assessments. Older people and pregnant workers are particularly at risk in hot weather.
It could be time for more emphasis to be placed on heat protection in Germany in order not only to protect the health of employees, but also to ensure well-being and performance. An amicable exchange between employers and works councils could be crucial here in order to find solutions that benefit everyone.