Germany's heatwave work regulations: Guidelines for labor during extreme temperatures
In the face of rising temperatures across Germany, employers are under increasing pressure to ensure that their workplaces provide a safe and climate-friendly environment for their employees. While there are currently no strict legal temperature limits mandating specific employer actions during heatwaves, there are clear general obligations related to workplace health protection concerning heat exposure.
According to the ASR 3.5 guideline, a widely recognized standard for heat protection at work, employers should strive to maintain workplace temperatures below 26°C (79°F). If temperatures exceed this, employers should take steps to reduce the temperature. At temperatures above 30°C (86°F), urgent action is required to protect workers, and at temperatures over 35°C (95°F), the location is considered unsuitable for work, necessitating immediate intervention or cessation of activities.
To comply with occupational health and safety laws and avoid liability for heat-related health issues, employers are advised to follow these guidelines. This includes monitoring workplace temperatures, providing measures to reduce heat exposure (such as ventilation, fans, and shading), allowing for additional breaks or adjusted working hours during heat spikes, ensuring water is available, and educating and informing employees on heat risks and protection methods.
In practice, this means that employers should be proactive in addressing heat stress in the workplace. They should invest in cooling systems, provide sun protection, and adjust working hours as necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees.
Politically, there is a push to formalize these protections. For example, Die Linke (The Left Party) has proposed that employers reduce working hours during heatwaves above 26°C, allow working from home, extend breaks, and equip offices with water, sun protection, and fans from July 2025 onwards. However, this proposal has not yet become formal law.
In Berlin, temperatures are forecast to reach 35°C on Wednesday, and across Germany, highs will stay in the 30s until the middle of the week. With many buildings, including offices, lacking air conditioning, employees working from home are not covered by heat protection regulations and are expected to take steps to keep their home office at a safe temperature for work.
When the room temperature exceeds 35°C, the workplace is no longer suitable without technical measures like industrial air showers, water sprays, organizational measures like time allowed for people to cool down, or personal protective equipment like heat-protective clothing. Special protections may also include heat-protective clothing, air showers, cooling breaks, and alternative workspaces.
Working in high temperatures can take a toll on workers' bodies and hinder their ability to do their jobs. Outdoor workers should stay in the shade and drink enough water during hot weather. If the heat gets unbearable, workplaces can give their employees a Hitzefrei, or a day off because of the heat.
As climate change continues to make extreme heat a new norm across Europe and around the world, it is crucial that employers take heat protection seriously. By following the ASR 3.5 guidelines and adapting working conditions during heatwaves, employers can fulfill their legal duty of care and protect employee health.
- In line with the ASR 3.5 guidelines, employers should prioritize maintaining workplace temperatures below 26°C to ensure employee health and well-being, particularly during heatwaves, and take necessary steps if temperatures exceed this limit.
- To address mental health concerns linked to climate change, environmental science and workplace-wellness should collaborate to help employees cope with stress related to heatwaves by providing information and resources on mental health protection methods.
- As heatwaves become more frequent due to climate change, it is essential for employers to not only focus on physical health protection but also consider the psychological well-being of employees, by promoting a healthy work environment and offering resources for mental health support.
