Austria Enforces New Heat‑Protection Rules for Workers

Effective 1 January 2026, Austria introduced a heat‑protection ordinance that obliges employers to implement safety measures when a level‑two heat warning is issued. Measures include shading outdoor work areas, shifting tasks to cooler morning hours, supplying ample drinking water and, for indoor spaces, keeping temperatures between 19 °C and 25 °C through shading, ventilation or fans.

In Styria, the labour inspectorate has already performed about 590 checks, finding 137 violations, according to Karlheinz Bauer, head of the Styria labour inspectorate: “Dieses Jahr kam es schon zu 590 Kontrollen und Beratungen. Dabei wurden 137 Übertretungen der Verordnung festgestellt.” At present, infringements result in advice and warnings, but the inspectorate may later issue fines. The regulation also clarifies that municipal workers, such as those at the Bauhof, are not covered by a general “heat‑free” exemption and must still receive the same protective provisions under the Arbeitsstättenverordnung and ArbeitnehmerInnenschutzgesetz.

Employers are required to provide non‑alcoholic drinks, protective clothing, headgear, sun‑shades, and information on heat‑related health risks, as outlined by the Austrian Workers’ Chamber.