Work and housing Too hot to work and sleep: what are my rights?

In recent weeks, extreme heat has become a growing concern for many Swiss residents, particularly in urban areas where temperatures have frequently exceeded 30 degrees Celsius. This has raised questions about the rights of individuals in both professional and private environments. As the summer months progress, the issue of how to manage high temperatures in workplaces, schools, and homes has come under scrutiny. Many people wonder whether they have legal protections against excessive heat and what steps can be taken when conditions become unbearable.

At the workplace, there is no official "heat holiday," despite public expectations. However, employers are legally obligated to ensure the health and safety of their employees. According to guidelines issued by the Federal Office of Labour (Seco), measures must be implemented to protect workers from the effects of heat. For outdoor work, this includes providing more frequent breaks, ensuring access to sufficient drinking water, and offering sun protection. In indoor settings such as offices, cooling systems should be used whenever possible to maintain a safe working environment. These regulations aim to prevent heat-related illnesses and ensure productivity remains unaffected.

Schools also face similar challenges during periods of intense heat. Unlike some previous years, so-called "heat holidays" have been abolished nationwide, meaning students cannot simply be sent home due to high temperatures. Teachers are required to continue instruction even in hot conditions. However, the Swiss Association of Teachers has called for specific measures to make classrooms more comfortable. The association advocates for maintaining room temperatures below 26 degrees Celsius, suggesting adjustments such as improved ventilation, use of fans, and limiting physical activity during peak heat hours. Despite these recommendations, many schools still struggle to meet these standards consistently.

For tenants living in apartments, the situation can be equally challenging. While occupants are generally responsible for managing indoor climate through proper ventilation—such as opening windows at night and closing them during the day—the landlord also shares responsibility. If a tenant finds themselves unable to cool their apartment adequately despite taking all necessary precautions, this could constitute a defect in the rental property. Legal precedents set by the Federal Court indicate that excessively high indoor temperatures can qualify as a lease violation. In such cases, tenants may have grounds to request repairs or even seek compensation from their landlords.

The issue of heat management extends beyond immediate comfort concerns. It touches on broader societal challenges related to infrastructure resilience and environmental policy. With global warming leading to increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves, cities need to invest in better building insulation, efficient cooling technologies, and urban planning strategies that reduce heat absorption. Public awareness campaigns have also emphasized the importance of personal preparedness, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and recognizing early signs of heat exhaustion.

As the summer continues, experts anticipate that pressure will mount on both employers and local authorities to implement more robust heat mitigation policies. Some communities are already exploring innovative solutions, such as expanding green spaces, using reflective materials on rooftops, and promoting community cooling centers. Meanwhile, ongoing discussions between labor unions, educational institutions, and housing associations highlight the need for coordinated efforts to address the multifaceted impacts of rising temperatures. The coming months will likely see further developments in legislation, public health initiatives, and technological advancements aimed at safeguarding vulnerable populations from the dangers of extreme heat.