Maximum workplace temperature:  new employer obligations related to heat

New regulations have been published in Poland introducing maximum permissible temperatures during work and new employer obligations in this respect. The new rules will enter into force on 11 January 2027. The permissible temperature thresholds will vary depending, among other things, whether work is performed indoors or outdoors.

1. Maximum temperature limits

The temperature in indoor workplaces may not exceed 35°C. For outdoor work involving physical exertion (above 1,500 kcal per shift for men and 1,000 kcal per shift for women), the maximum permissible temperature will be 32°C unless technological considerations make it impossible to maintain a lower temperature. Once these thresholds are exceeded, work may not be performed. Certain exemptions will apply, including for soldiers and uniformed services personnel.

2. Employer obligations at lower temperatures

Where the temperature exceeds 28°C indoors (or 25°C for physically demanding work), employers will be required to implement technical measures aimed at reducing the temperature, such as air conditioning (unless technological considerations prevent this), alternatively introducing organisational measures designed to minimise the impact of heat on employees’ health, such as additional breaks or changes to working hours.

For work performed outdoors, where the temperature exceeds 25°C due to weather conditions, employers will be required to introduce appropriate organisational measures, taking into account the specific working conditions and nature of the work, in order to minimise the impact of heat on employees’ health.

3. Consultation and employee information requirements

Organisational measures will need to be determined following consultation with the occupational health and safety committee, where on exists. If no such committee exists, consultation must take place in accordance with Article 23711a of the Polish Labour Code (i.e. with employees or their representatives), after obtaining the opinion of the occupational health physician responsible for preventive healthcare. Employers will also be required to inform employees about the measures adopted using the communication method customarily applied in the workplace.

Although the new regulations will not come into force until January 2027, employers should already begin reviewing roles that are particularly exposed to high temperatures and assess what organisational or technical measures will be necessary to ensure compliance with the new requirements.