Extreme Temperatures in Polish Workplaces Leave One Dead as Inspections Reveal Wide-ranging Violations

Poland’s National Labor Inspectorate has received around 300 complaints regarding extreme workplace heat during summer heatwaves, including one fatality, prompting tighter regulations set for 2027.

First Inspection Results and Death Investigation

The National Labor Inspectorate (PIP) revealed the initial results of inspections conducted during this year’s heatwaves. By August 7, 2026, approximately 300 complaints had been submitted to the inspectorate. Controllers found employees working in halls, shops, hospitals, offices, and on construction sites where temperatures exceeded 30 degrees, and in some places 35 degrees. In one case, the proceedings concern the death of a paver working in full sun.

The largest number of reports was received during the first heatwave at the turn of June and July, totaling 212 complaints. Although the number of reports dropped in subsequent weeks, the total reached around 300 by August 7, with nearly a third of the proceedings already concluded.

Widespread Heat and Deficient Conditions Across Industries

Complaints came from warehouses, production halls, supermarkets, shopping malls, dairies, hospitals, offices, catering establishments, and construction sites. Workers most frequently pointed to high temperatures, a lack of access to drinking water, and inefficient ventilation or air conditioning.

One alarming report from a production hall mentioned temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius, though measurements during the inspection showed a maximum of about 35 degrees, exacerbated by heat-emitting machinery. Furthermore, employee rest rooms failed to provide actual cooling, maintaining temperatures similar to the production halls.

Cranes, Air Conditioning Failures, and Fatal Heat Case

Particularly difficult conditions were found for crane operators, with one cabin reaching 35 degrees Celsius, well above the 28-degree limit for such stations. Inspectors also noted ventilation breakdowns, insufficient air exchange, and a lack of sun protection.

The most serious case involves an outdoor paving worker performing duties in full sun at approximately 38 degrees Celsius. The PIP indicates his death is likely connected to these working conditions, though the accident investigation remains ongoing to determine the definitive cause.

Although no general maximum workplace temperature currently exists for all rooms, employers are legally required to ensure safe and hygienic conditions, proper ventilation, and protection against excessive heat. Employers must provide free drinks for outdoor workers when temperatures exceed 25 degrees, and for indoor workers when atmospheric temperatures exceed 28 degrees.

Workers have the right to refrain from work if conditions violate occupational health and safety regulations and pose a direct threat to health or life, provided they immediately notify their supervisor.

New regulations published in the Journal of Laws on July 10, 2026, will take effect on January 11, 2027. These rules will set a maximum atmospheric workplace temperature of 35 degrees Celsius in indoor workspaces, above which work generally cannot be performed.

A second limit of 32 degrees will apply to heavy physical outdoor work exceeding an energy expenditure of 1,500 kcal for men and 1,000 kcal for women per shift. Additionally, employers will be required to implement technical or organizational solutions when indoor temperatures exceed 28 degrees, or 25 degrees for heavy physical work indoors and outdoor work.