Complied and Editing by Sahar Yaghouobi
The intensifying heatwaves exacerbating worker safety risks necessitate examining regulatory frameworks. A review of five European nations’ heat policies reveals variations yet shared shortcomings.
Notably, UK regulations lack maximum thresholds, contradicting changing climate realities. While requiring comfort, only cold minimums exist. France mandates hydration yet heat risks remain subjectively defined. Italy guarantees wage protection if conditions surpass safe limits, yet heat thresholds remain unspecified.
Portugal uniquely regulates maximum indoor temperatures of 25°C with humidity controls, recognizing employer duties. Germany sets non-binding indoor thresholds of 26-35°C before spaces become unsuitable.
Spain most clearly delineates 17-27°C and 14-25°C standards for sedentary and light work respectively. However, reporting non-compliance relies on disparate enforcement agencies or unions.
Overall, nations acknowledge care obligations yet scantly reference extreme heat hazards. Laws comparatively neglected climatic warnings, undermining occupational health assurances. Intermittent guidance permits employer discretion over appropriate responses.
As temperatures rise precipitously, lagging regulatory responsibilities jeopardize worker protections. Standards urgently require revision incorporating evidence-based thermal limits, proactive monitoring, and unequivocal wages/closure protocols when thresholds are breached.
Harmonized European directives could help lead coordinated policy reforms safeguarding the vulnerable labor force amid accelerating planetary warming trends. Unions campaigning for legally codified reforms present a constructive avenue for improved resiliency.
Assessing Europe’s Occupational Heat Exposure Policies: A Case for Urgent Regulatory Reform
