Regional Heatwaves Highlight Workplace Safety Risks around the Globe

Europe's recent heatwave shattered temperature records, with temperatures soaring to 40°C in several parts of the continent and peaking at 46°C in Spain. High temperatures can severely impact employees' health, leading to illness, stress, fatigue, and in extreme cases, death.

HR Policy Global’ Take: As governments around the world are implementing and enforcing stricter workplace temperature regulations, employers also have a duty of care to protect their workforce during extreme heat.

A Lexology article provides a detailed list of countries and their policies on workplace safety during heatwaves. Global employers should review and check with regional teams to ensure compliance. 

• Germany
  • Maximum workplace temperature: 26°C
  • Mandatory employer interventions at 30°C
  • Workspaces unsuitable at temperatures above 35°C
• Spain
  • Maximum workplace temperatures: 27°C for offices, 25°C for light physical work
  • Outdoor work prohibited during heat wave alerts above 40°C
• United States
  • OSHA's new rules require heat safety plans for temperatures above 27°C (80°F)
  • Mandate breaks and hydration at 32°C(90°F)
• United Kingdom
  • No maximum temperature yet, but workplace regulations require comfortable conditions
• Japan
  • Strict heat protection regulations with significant fines for non-compliance
  • Employers must implement heatstroke prevention protocols
• Italy
  • Construction work banned between 12:30pm and 4:00pm in 13 regions until September 15, 2025
• France
  • No statutory maximum temperature, but employers must ensure safe conditions
  • Decree mandates preventive measures against heat-related risks
• United Arab Emirates
  • Prohibits outdoor labor between 12:30pm and 3pm during summer
  • Companies fined for violations
• Saudi Arabia
  • Midday work ban from 12pm to 3pm during summer
• China
  • Work hour reductions during periods of hot weather
  • Mandatory heat subsidies for workers exposed to temperatures above 35°C
• Australia
  • No specific temperature threshold, but employers must manage heat risks through duty of care provisions
• Canada
  • No statutory maximum temperature limits, but employers must ensure workplace safety under duty of care provisions

Beyond compliance, employers should proactively explore other measures to safeguard their employees from overheating:

• Conduct risk assessments to identify high-risk areas and vulnerable employees.
• Train frontline managers on heat illness signs and emergency procedures.
• Adapt work schedules to avoid peak heat, offering breaks and water.

Ensure shaded rest areas and cooling infrastructure are available.