As summer approaches, periods of extreme heat can make working conditions particularly challenging, both outdoors and in poorly ventilated premises. In Europe, employers have a duty to protect the health and safety of their employees, including against heat-related risks. However, the specific measures depend on the country of employment: here is what every cross-border worker should know before the next heatwaves.

📌 Key points:
The Framework Directive 89/391/EEC requires every European employer to ensure the safety and health of workers – including protection against thermal risks.
The specific prevention measures vary depending on the country of employment: make sure you are familiar with the regulations applicable to you.
🇫🇷 France: Decree No. 2025-482 has imposed specific obligations since 1 July 2025, depending on the Météo-France heat warning levels.
Adjusted working hours, regular breaks and free drinking water are among the measures expected.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) remains mandatory, even in hot weather.

Europe: a common framework for protection

At European level, the Framework Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 requires every employer to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety and health of workers. This general obligation also applies to thermal risks.

However, the specific prevention measures vary according to the legislation of each Member State. Cross-border workers should therefore refer to the regulations applicable in their country of employment.

France: a specific decree for periods of extreme heat

Several countries have recently strengthened their national regulations. In France, Decree No. 2025-482 of 27 May 2025, applicable since 1 July 2025, provides for specific obligations during periods of extreme heat, depending on the Météo-France heat warning levels.

Assessing heat-related risks

Employers must identify situations in which workers are exposed to high temperatures and implement appropriate preventive measures. This assessment takes into account, in particular:

  • the nature of the tasks performed;
  • the intensity of the physical effort required;
  • weather conditions and the working environment;
  • the protective equipment or clothing worn;
  • individual characteristics of workers, such as age or certain medical conditions that may increase their vulnerability.

In certain particularly exposed sectors, specific assessment methods may be used to determine the level of risk.

What measures can be implemented?

The measures adopted must be adapted to the risks identified and should, wherever possible, prioritise collective protective measures.

🔧 Technical measures

  • improve ventilation or air circulation;
  • reduce heat sources wherever possible;
  • provide shaded or cooled areas;
  • protect workers from equipment generating high levels of heat;
  • provide air-conditioned vehicles where required by the activity;
  • use mechanical aids to reduce physical exertion;
  • adapt workstations or encourage remote working where compatible with the activity;
  • monitor the temperature of working premises.

🗓 Organisational measures

  • adjust working hours to avoid the hottest periods of the day;
  • alternate periods of work and rest;
  • schedule the most physically demanding tasks early in the morning or at the end of the day;
  • increase the frequency of breaks in a cool or shaded area;
  • provide a sufficient quantity of free drinking water.

💡 Breaks and hydration: Prevention organisations recommend drinking small amounts of water regularly to reduce the risk of dehydration and, where possible, taking breaks in well-ventilated or cooled areas.

Adapting work clothing

When safety requirements allow, employers may relax dress codes to allow workers to wear lighter, more breathable clothing. Depending on the activities performed, additional protective equipment – such as caps, safety glasses or other protection against solar radiation – may also be provided.

⚠ Important point to note
Personal protective equipment (PPE) remains mandatory when it is necessary to ensure workers’ safety. It may only be removed when its use is no longer justified – even during periods of extreme heat.

Informing and training workers

Workers must be made aware of the risks associated with extreme heat so that they can quickly recognise the first signs of heatstroke or dehydration, and know what to do in an emergency. Appropriate information helps reduce risks and promotes a rapid response in the event of illness or discomfort.

What responsibility does the employer have?

Employers have a general duty to protect the health and safety of their workers. During periods of extreme heat, their liability may be engaged if they have failed to carry out a risk assessment or implement appropriate preventive measures.

This obligation is assessed in light of the regulations applicable in the country of employment, as well as the specific circumstances of each situation. In several Member States, including France, national regulations now provide more specific requirements regarding the measures expected during periods of extreme heat.