Poland sets new heat‑related work rules for employers

Poland's Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy, led by Minister Agnieszka Dziemianowicz‑Bąk, has signed a regulation governing work conditions during high temperatures. The decree establishes strict temperature limits: work must be halted when indoor temperatures reach 35 °C for any task and when outdoor temperatures reach 32 °C for heavy work. Employers must also take preventive measures once lower thresholds are met – 28 °C indoors, 25 °C for heavy indoor work and 25 °C outdoors for all work – by installing air‑conditioning, providing additional breaks, shortening shifts or reorganising work hours.

The regulation obliges employers to consult employee safety committees on any organisational changes and includes a catalogue of exceptions for essential services such as public safety, medical care and other critical public functions. The rules become effective six months after publication in the Journal of Laws, set to apply from 11 January 2027.