Regulations and safety regarding working in heat

Working during periods of extreme heat or heatwaves can be dangerous for the health and safety of individuals. Health and safety regulations must be respected to work in order to work in the best conditions. Whether you are an employee or an employer it is important to be aware of these regulations for your own safety.

Heat at work: what is the maximum temperature?

The Labor Code does not set a maximum temperature at which employees must stop carrying out their duties. However, the right to work in good conditions is fundamental. In order to protect the safety and health of employees, the law requires the employer to put in place a series of measures to tackle extreme heat at work (article L4121-1 of the Labor Code).

In addition, the National Institute for Research and Safety (INRS) states that carrying out a sedentary activity when the temperature exceeds 30°C poses a risk to employees. This figure drops to 28°C for occupations that require physical activity. In parallel with this data, the National Health Insurance Fund recommends the evacuation of professional premises when the temperature reaches 34°C.

Regulations in the event of extreme heat at work: what are the employer’s responsibilities?

In the event of extreme heat at work, the employer is obliged to take measures to guarantee the health of its employees.

Mandatory measures to preserve health and good working conditions are:

• Provide fresh drinking water to all employees (article R. 4225-2 of the Labor Code);
• Refresh the air and ventilate closed workspaces (article R. 4222-1 of the Labor Code);
• Implement the recommendations proposed by the national heat control plan.

Mandatory measures to ensure the safety of employees working outside are:

• Provide 3 liters of fresh drinking water daily to all employees.
• Arrange workstations and rest areas suitable for high temperatures.

Heatwave at work: what additional measures protect the health of employees?

Even if they are not obligatory, additional measures are strongly recommended by the INRS to combat extreme heat at work. Here are several tips to reduce risks in the workplace and preserve the health of employees:

• Arrange suitable working hours (during cooler hours).
• Inform employees of the symptoms of heat stroke.
• Lengthen employees’ lunch breaks or increase the number of breaks.
• Turn off electrical appliances when not in use.
• Allow part- or full-time remote working.
• Limit the time of exposure to heat during working hours.
• Reduce physical activities.
• Avoid lone working.

Too much heat at work: can we demand a right of withdrawal?

If the mandatory measures mentioned above are not followed or the temperature remains too high, an employee may exercise their right of withdrawal at any time. It is therefore possible to force a work stoppage when the health and safety of employees are put at risk. To the extent that the work situation presents risks for the employee, he will have the right to leave his workplace and will not be able to suffer any reduction in salary or any other sanction.

As the right of withdrawal differs depending on the professional sectors and positions held, it is mostly dealt with on a case-by-case basis. For example, a construction employee whose employer does not provide fresh water or premises or spaces suitable for high heat, will be granted a right of withdrawal. He will be able to leave his workplace without risk of penalties. On the other hand, a lifeguard equipped with a shaded surveillance chair and bottles of water will be able to carry out their work despite very high temperatures.

Extreme high heat at work: what are the symptoms not to ignore?

At work, heat waves and high heat can cause serious health risks for employees. Headaches, dizziness, excessive sweating, temporary nausea or cramps that occur at work should be interpreted as warning signs of compromised health. They are common symptoms in the event of extreme heat and they precede the onset of severe disorders, such as heatstroke or dehydration.

Beyond this initial health hazard, these symptoms make tasks more difficult to perform and increase the risk of workplace accidents. If these symptoms occur, speak to your manager and do not hesitate to exercise your right of withdrawal to leave your workplace as soon as possible.

Heatwave and high heat at work: what individual practices should be followed?

In order to best protect yourself from any heat-related symptoms in your workplace, a few practices should be followed:

• Drink plenty of water
• Stay shaded from the sun or in air-conditioned spaces;
• Wear light clothing;
• Regularly apply protective sun cream;
• Eat light.

Visit our summer shop and make sure you are equipped for high temperatures or heatwaves.