When temperatures exceed the 30-degree mark, companies face numerous questions regarding occupational safety and health: What are their obligations? What measures are required? And are employees actually entitled to time off due to the heat?
The short answer is: No. There is generally no legal right to time off due to heat. However, employers cannot simply sit back and do nothing when temperatures rise in the workplace. Rather, they are required to evaluate and implement appropriate measures to protect their employees. Depending on the situation, these may include, for example, sun protection, additional ventilation, beverages, flexible work schedules, or organizational adjustments.
The guidelines set forth in workplace regulations are of particular importance in this regard. While initial measures should be considered when temperatures reach 26 °C, additional protective measures are required when temperatures reach 30 °C. At temperatures above 35 °C, workspaces without special protective measures are generally no longer considered suitable.
For companies, this issue has long been more than just a matter of well-being. Heat protection is part of an effective occupational health and safety program and is therefore also a compliance issue.
… and even though this isn’t, of course, a legal requirement under labor law: At TIGGES, on particularly hot days, in addition to the usual protective measures, we also treat the team to a few scoops of ice cream.
The TIGGES Labor Law Team is happy to answer any questions you may have!