If it’s too hot to work, there’s a heat-free day at school. But does that also apply to employees? At certain temperatures, employers actually have to take action.
The sun is burning through the window onto the desk, the air is oppressive – it’s almost impossible to concentrate on work. But is there a day off in the office on hot days, just like in school? Not really, but once the temperature reaches a certain level, employers have to take action. An overview.
Employers should intervene when temperatures reach 26 degrees
The temperature in the office should not exceed 26 degrees. This is what Stiftung Warentest points out, citing the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA). If the thermometer climbs above 26 degrees, employers should intervene; if it exceeds 30 degrees, they even have to.
If nothing helps and the temperature in the office gets over 35 degrees, the room is no longer suitable for working, according to the BAuA. According to the German Civil Code, bosses must generally ensure that their employees are protected from “dangers to life and health” – this also applies in the event of a heat wave.
No direct legal right to heat-free time
But simply going home from work is not allowed even then. According to the BAuA, there is no direct legal right to time off work due to heat or air-conditioned rooms. Instead, employees should contact their superiors or the works council.
Heat protection measures on the part of employers can include blinds or fans, for example. If there are dress codes, these can be relaxed. Bosses can also move work forward to cooler hours or provide chilled drinks.
What if you work outside in hot weather?
Electrical devices also radiate heat; only what is really necessary should be used here. Otherwise, employees should drink a lot and regularly and occasionally run cold water over their wrists and forearms at the sink.
Of course, the heat limits do not apply to rooms where a certain temperature is necessary for operations, such as in a steelworks or garden centers. However, employers should protect those who have to work outside in the scorching sun from UV radiation, for example with sunscreen, protective clothing or awnings.
Hot summer 2024?
In Germany, temperatures are currently climbing above 30 degrees. Follow these tips on hot days:
- What to do in hot weather? The 10 best tips
- Proper ventilation in hot weather: When? How? And for how long?
- Cooling your apartment – tips & tricks ▷ How to keep your apartment cool
- Heatwave: Danger to life for the elderly and small children
- Heatwave & Dog: Do’s and Don’ts in high temperatures
Is climate change to blame for such extreme weather phenomena? First of all, it must be noted that individual weather phenomena cannot be attributed to climate change. However, experts agree that extreme weather conditions – such as heat waves – will become more severe in the future due to climate change and will become significantly more frequent. Read also: Weather or climate? The difference simply explained
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