France Implements New Workplace Heat Safety Regulations Amid Severe Heatwave
New workplace safety regulations in France address heat exposure as severe heat waves impact the country.
Key Points
- • New regulations mandate heat risk assessments for employers effective July 1, 2025.
- • Severe heat wave currently grips France with temperatures reaching 41°C.
- • Employers required to provide fresh drinking water and adjust work schedules.
- • Workers can report safety violations to labor inspections.
As France grapples with an unprecedented heat wave, new workplace safety regulations effective July 1, 2025, have been introduced to protect employees from the risks of extreme heat. The recent decree mandates employers to conduct heat risk assessments and implement necessary measures to safeguard workers, particularly during severe temperature fluctuations driven by climate change.
The regulations arise from the recognition that increasing temperatures pose severe health risks, including heat stroke—symptoms of which include headache, dizziness, and confusion. Employers are now legally required to ensure adequate hydration for employees by providing fresh drinking water and adjusting work schedules during heat waves, especially when temperatures exceed thresholds set by Météo-France.
On the backdrop of these regulations, France is currently experiencing temperatures soaring as high as 41°C in several regions, prompting health authorities to issue red alerts for 16 departments. The Paris emergency medical service, SAMU, anticipates a sharp increase in emergency calls, projected at 30% to 40%, related to heat illnesses. Measures such as limiting vehicle circulation in Île-de-France and offering free access to public pools in municipalities like Marseille aim to mitigate the effects of the heat.
In lieu of the new regulations, if employers do not comply, labor inspection authorities are empowered to compel them to meet safety obligations. Workers who feel their safety is compromised can report to labor inspection services or their company’s social and economic committees. Local officials have expressed concerns about the government's preparations, labeling the response to the heat wave as disorganized and inadequate.
As of today, Météo-France maintains red alerts in place and advises residents to conserve water. Parents in regions like Indre-et-Loire are urged to keep children indoors to avoid exposure to extreme conditions. With the implementation of the new safety regulations coinciding with the heat wave, France undertakes a crucial step in safeguarding worker health amidst growing climate challenges.