New Heatwave Regulations: Mandatory Work Stoppages and Employer Duties

New government regulations, effective January 11, 2027, establish strict temperature thresholds for workplaces, mandating that employers implement protective measures or pause operations when heat levels exceed legally defined safety limits.

Temperature Thresholds and Implementation Date

The Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy has officially published a new regulation in the Journal of Laws, introducing specific temperature limits for work environments. These rules, which take effect on January 11, 2027, dictate the conditions under which certain tasks must be suspended.

Crucially, the requirement to stop work is triggered by actual temperatures at the worksite, not by weather forecasts. The mandate is based on real-time conditions experienced in the specific location where duties are performed.

Employer Obligations and Mitigation Strategies

Before hitting critical temperature thresholds, employers must initiate measures to mitigate health risks. The regulation prioritizes technical solutions, such as installing air conditioning or industrial cooling equipment, whenever technologically feasible.

When technical solutions are insufficient, employers must implement organizational changes. These may include shortening working hours, rotating staff, adjusting schedules to cooler times of the day, or providing additional breaks.

Consultation and Compliance Requirements

Employers are legally obligated to consult these organizational changes with employees. If a Health and Safety (BHP) committee exists, they must reach an agreement with that body. In the absence of a committee, consultation must involve employee representatives and the physician overseeing occupational health services.

Exemptions from the New Rules

The regulations include specific exceptions where work does not need to be halted despite high temperatures. This applies to activities essential for public safety, such as emergency response, disaster recovery, and the maintenance of critical public services.

Other exemptions cover uniformed services, military personnel, and staff working in childcare institutions for children under three years of age.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Compliance with these safety standards is subject to oversight by the National Labour Inspectorate. Employers who fail to adhere to these new provisions face administrative fines ranging from 1,000 PLN to 30,000 PLN.