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As summer temperatures soar across Europe, from the farms of Italy to the warehouses of Germany, workers face significant health risks due to the heat.
Heat stress poses a serious threat, potentially leading to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even death, in addition to exacerbating kidney problems, heart disease, and respiratory and mental health issues.
These dangers became evident during early summer heatwaves, when a 51-year-old street cleaner in Barcelona succumbed to a heatwave; Spanish officials are investigating whether the heatwave was the cause of her death.
Unlike other environmental health hazards like air pollution, there are no EU-wide rules regarding heat exposure for workers, leaving member states to enact their own laws.
So, what are the thresholds for unsafe work temperatures, and how can workers safeguard their health during heatwaves?
Understanding the Dangers
Heat alone is not the sole concern during heatwaves; the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, accounting for heat, humidity, wind, and sunlight, offers a more accurate measure of heat stress for active workers.
The WBGT categorizes threats into low, elevated, moderate, high, and extreme levels. Temperatures above 29 to 32 degrees Celsius can pose extreme risks to workers, increasing the likelihood of heat-related illnesses.
Workers in physically demanding, outdoor roles like construction, agriculture, and emergency services face the highest risks from extreme heat.
However, indoor workers in buildings with poor cooling or ventilation are also vulnerable, according to EU-OSHA.
Globally, extreme heat claims nearly 19,000 workers yearly, with a 42% increase in heat-related occupational fatalities in the EU since 2000.
Recognition and Response
Heat stress often goes unrecognized, especially among young and fit individuals, warns Alessandro Marinaccio from Italy’s INAIL.
Lacking awareness about the occupational health risks related to extreme heat exposure, Marinaccio’s team has developed an Italian worker risk-assessment tool.
Experts advise workers to remain vigilant to physical symptoms indicative of heat stress.
Symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, fainting, and confusion should prompt immediate action.
If experiencing heat stress symptoms, cease working, hydrate, cool off, and rest in a shaded area. Seek emergency assistance if symptoms persist.
Know Your Rights
Several EU countries enforce measures to shield workers from heat stress, such as Germany, Slovenia, Hungary, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, France, and Italy.
In France, for instance, employers must provide cool drinking water and adapt conditions or schedules where necessary.
In some Italian regions, authorities have imposed bans on outdoor work during particularly hot periods.
Generally, countries establish work limits around 29-30 degrees Celsius for high-intensity tasks, 30-31 degrees for moderate work, and 31.5-32.5 degrees for light work.
The EU mandates employers protect workers from all occupational health risks, without a specific law on heat stress.
Worker safety is paramount—employees have the right not to work if their well-being is threatened under EU law.
However, enforcement is critical, and underreporting of heat-related illnesses is common, according toIgnacio Doreste from the ETUC.
The ETUC advocates for new heatwave protection laws, including the right to medical examinations and exemptions from work in extreme conditions.
Uncertain about your heatwave work rights? Review your contract or consult with company representatives or a trade union.
