How to anticipate and safeguard employees’ health during periods of intense heat?
Published on :
29/07/2026
29
July
Jul
07
2026
DO
• Take proactive measures as soon as weather warnings are issued: activate a ‘heatwave’ plan as soon as a heatwave is forecast (adjustments to work organisation, refreshment arrangements, work equipment, information and guidance).
• Make practical adjustments to working practices, particularly for outdoor work: adjust working hours, reduce physically demanding tasks, allow for more frequent breaks, organize shift rotations and, where possible, minimize employees’ exposure to the hottest hours of the day.
• Ensure that protective measures are in place: provide sufficient fresh drinking water, arrange for shaded or cool areas when working outdoors, check that the risk assessment document is updated, establish procedures for raising the alarm and provide first aid in the event of heat-related distress.
DON'T
• Wait for an accident to happen before taking action: employers must prevent risks in advance; reacting only after the event runs counter to the duty of prevention incumbent on employers as part of their legal obligation to protect their employees’ health.
• Limit your approach to issuing general guidelines: a simple reminder to employees to be vigilant is not enough; operational measures are required, adapted to the intensity of the heat and the actual work (either outdoor or indoor) performed by employees.
• Overlook potentially vulnerable employees: young people, workers who work alone or in isolation, vulnerable employees, pregnant women and staff exposed to outdoor conditions or working in poorly ventilated premises require special attention and, where necessary, specific arrangements.
History
-
Consultation with the Workers' Council before introducing AI technologies into the company
Published on : 30/07/2026 30 July Jul 07 2026NewsNewsletter / Recent Case LawIs prior consultation with the Workers' Council required before artificial in...
-
EU Pay Transparency: Member States Near Transposition Finish Line
Published on : 28/07/2026 28 July Jul 07 2026L&E GlobalThe post EU Pay Transparency: Member States Near Transposition Finish Line ap...Source : leglobal.law
-
France: Work Accidents and Homeworking
Published on : 28/05/2026 28 May May 05 2026L&E GlobalThe post France: Work Accidents and Homeworking appeared first on L&E Global.Source : leglobal.law
-
France: Dismissal Letters Can Only Be Signed by a Company Employee or Officer
Published on : 28/05/2026 28 May May 05 2026L&E GlobalThe post France: Dismissal Letters Can Only Be Signed by a Company Employee o...Source : leglobal.law