If temperatures climb above 30 degrees Celsius and stay at that temperature, the law speaks of exceptionally warm days. And since your employer is responsible for your health at work, he or she should react promptly to the heat.
Drinking is a complete essential. The law says that the employer must provide it at its own expense, although it does not specify exactly how.
For example, if people have access to tap water, the employer has fulfilled its obligation. If they work in a place where drinking water does not flow, the employer must find another way to provide it.
Mineral water and fruit juices
Are you exposed to temperatures in the 30s and the weather forecasters are saying it won’t get any colder in the next few days either? Your employer should also provide you with a drink to replenish the minerals in your body.
These should also be automatically purchased for people with large energy expenditures, such as those who work in construction, metallurgy or glass. And also for all employees who work during increased heat load in the outdoor environment.
The law also talks about the temperature of the drinks, in hot weather they should be 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. In addition to minerals, this can include herbal teas, fruit juices and ciders, but not with more than 6.5 per cent sugar content.
Breaks and less effort
In the event of extreme heat stress, employers should give people more frequent breaks during which they can cool down with cool water, take a shower or stay in a cooler room.
It’s always about the agreement the employees have with them, in manufacturing companies, usually in such temperatures the employer will include extra breaks or reduce working hours if the workplace is not air-conditioned.
“Breaks to protect your health are counted as working time.”
One solution to help employees cope better with hot days is to shift the start of working hours to earlier in the morning.
The heat makes us tired and it is much harder to keep our attention during it. The employer should therefore reduce the intensity of work performance, especially in physically demanding work or work with high mental demands and mental strain.
No climate?
Blinds or roller shutters are perhaps commonplace nowadays, but climate control can also help in hot weather. Don’t you have it in your workplace? As an alternative, you should get a fan from your employer. Or should at least ventilate regularly.
However, do everything in moderation so that you don’t come out of the air conditioning or ventilation with health problems. The law also says that employees cannot be exposed to unwanted direct cooling of the body.
Where to claim your rights
If your employer does not take the measures required by law, you can file a complaint with the labour inspectorate in the city where the establishment is located. You can also claim your rights at your regional public health office. The supervision of the observance of appropriate conditions in the workplace is the responsibility of this authority.
