A few weeks ago, OPZZ unionists proposed setting a maximum temperature limit for working in hot weather in regulations. We have received a comment from the Ministry of Family and Social Policy on this matter.
After a short break, the heat returned to Poland. They can be enjoyed by those who are resting, but they are a challenge for those who are not yet resting and working. As we recently reported, National Trade Union Agreement (OPZZ) unionists want to set a maximum temperature limit for working in hot weather.
Unions want to set a maximum temperature
During the discussion on this topic, Sebastian Kochvin, Vice-Chairman of OPZZ, recalled that, in accordance with the current regulations, the temperature in the working premises should correspond to the type of duties performed, but not lower than 14 degrees Celsius. In places of light physical work and in offices, the temperature cannot be lower than 18 degrees C. Both in the labor protection rules and in the Labor Code there is no precise definition of the upper temperature limit in offices or workplaces, at which employees have the right to quit their job. perform their duties on a certain day or period, or impose on the employer additional tasks aimed at optimizing work and protecting the health of the employee in such conditions.
The Deputy Head of the OPZZ acknowledges that although Art. 210 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation that if the conditions in the company do not comply with the rules of labor protection and safety and pose a direct threat to the health or life of the employee, the employee has the right to refrain from performing tasks. Practice shows, however, that few people dare to take this step. Cause? Fear of being fired.
Ministry comment
The editors of Wprost.pl turned to the Ministry of Family Affairs and Social Policy with a request to comment on the OPZZ proposal. In the response sent to us, the resort emphasizes that it recognizes the importance of the problem.
– Undoubtedly, for several years Poland has been experiencing high temperatures in the summer, which can cause problems with ensuring proper comfort at work. However, the problem does not concern the temperature itself, but other external factors that affect the heat load of the worker (for example, humidity, air flow rate), his psychophysical state (for example, health status, lifestyle, acclimatization of the worker to a hot microclimate) and work organization (for example , cycle of work and rest or breaks at work) - read in the comments of the Press Department of the Ministry of Family and Social Policy.
The ministry points out that only a few countries in the European Union have introduced systemic norms for high temperatures, but, as the ministry points out, they are difficult to follow due to their wide variety. It turns out that there were consultations on this matter.
- Therefore, in order to identify the subject, consultations were held with national units (General Labor Inspectorate, National Association of Occupational Safety and Health Workers, Ministry of Health, Central Institute for Occupational Safety - National Research Institute) regarding possible changes in labor law in relation to the provisions of the above issue, as well as possible organizational measures and measures of collective and individual protection that could improve the situation of those working in this area, - This was reported to our editorial office by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy.
– It is also worth mentioning the initiative of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), which unites more than 92 trade unions from all over Europe, which called on the European Commission to introduce rules defining the maximum permissible temperature in the workplace throughout Europe. Union - he adds.
However, the ministry emphasizes that more extensive research is needed, therefore, as part of the 6th stage of a long-term program called As part of the State Program to improve safety and working conditions, implemented in 2023-2025 by the Central Institute for Occupational Safety - National Research Institute, work was carried out in the field of thermal loads of workers in a hot environment.
Responsibilities of employers during the heat wave
Recall that during the period of record heat, the primary duty of the employer is to provide employees with soft drinks to drink (usually water, but it can also be juices), of course, free of charge. Those who work outdoors are entitled to drinks as soon as the temperature exceeds 25 degrees Celsius. For office workers, it should be 28 degrees dash. Drinks must be available throughout the day. Interestingly, employers are not required to install air conditioners. The provision of “air conditioning” or fans is only a good will on the part of the boss.
Source: Wprost
I am George Brown, author at Daily News Hack. I mostly cover economy news and I have been doing this for quite some time now. I have a lot of experience in this field and I’m always looking for new opportunities to learn more.
