Work Stoppage at 35°C: Government Prepares Major Health and Safety Reform

As heatwaves intensify, the Polish government is drafting new regulations to mandate maximum workplace temperatures, including a mandatory work stoppage at 35°C, aiming to overhaul outdated occupational safety standards by 2027.

New Legislative Proposals for Extreme Heat

The Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy has prepared a draft ordinance introducing maximum temperature thresholds for the first time in history. Under the latest version, work must be suspended if temperatures in an indoor workspace exceed 35°C, even after technical cooling solutions have been exhausted.

Parallel regulations address outdoor physical labor, proposing that work be temporarily halted once the temperature exceeds 32°C. While business organizations have raised concerns regarding the impact on construction and seasonal projects, the Ministry has maintained the core objectives of the draft.

Tiered Protection Measures Starting at 25°C

The 35°C threshold serves as the final safeguard in a broader protection system. Employers would be required to intervene once temperatures surpass 28°C in offices, or 25°C for strenuous physical tasks. Mandatory technical or organizational solutions must be implemented to reduce heat stress, as productivity is estimated to drop by 2% for every degree above 25°C.

Employer Obligations and Proposed Flexibility

The draft outlines a catalog of actions for employers during heatwaves, including remote work options, shortened hours, and additional breaks. Currently, shortening working hours remains at the discretion of the employer, but the new rules aim to formalize these protections.

Timeline for Reform and Evolving Standards

Initially announced in 2024, the draft has undergone several revisions following stakeholder feedback. The current proposal targets an effective date of January 1, 2027, granting employers a transition period to adapt to the new requirements. The Ministry has simplified earlier criteria based on metabolic rates, opting instead for standards tied to physical energy expenditure.

Current Regulations and Worker Rights

Polish law currently lacks a strictly defined maximum temperature for work, relying on general clauses requiring employers to ensure safe conditions and health protection. Article 210 of the Labor Code allows employees to refrain from duties if there is an immediate threat to life or health, but this is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Similarly, regulations regarding the provision of cold drinks for workers are already in place, though they are not linked to a specific temperature cap.