Hell of a heat, and almost 20 office buildings without air conditioning.

The Polish government has announced plans to introduce new regulations aimed at protecting workers during extreme heat conditions, which have become increasingly common due to climate change. The project for a ministerial decree outlining these rules is currently undergoing consultations, according to Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, the Minister of Family, Labor, and Social Policy. She emphasized that the new provisions are intended to ensure worker safety and health amid rising temperatures, particularly during the upcoming summer months. The proposed changes would take effect starting in the next vacation season, as stated by the ministry.

The initiative was submitted to the Permanent Committee of the Council of Ministers earlier this week, with discussions scheduled for June 29. The Ministry of Labor highlighted the urgency of the matter, noting that high temperatures pose a significant threat to workers' well-being and lives. The current draft of the regulation includes specific temperature thresholds beyond which certain types of work must be temporarily halted. For indoor environments, the threshold is set at 35 degrees Celsius for all types of work, while outdoor work involving heavy physical labor will be suspended when temperatures exceed 32 degrees Celsius. These measures are based on actual temperature readings rather than forecasts.

In addition to halting work, the proposal mandates that employers implement technical solutions to reduce workplace temperatures once certain thresholds are reached. For office and light work, action is required when temperatures reach 28 degrees Celsius, whereas for heavy labor, the threshold is 25 degrees Celsius. If reducing temperatures proves impossible, employers must collaborate with employee organizations to establish organizational measures that limit thermal stress on workers. This could include adjusting working hours, providing additional breaks, or ensuring access to cooling systems where feasible.

According to the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Policy, research indicates strong public support for the proposed regulations. Currently, employers are already obligated under existing laws to protect employees' health and provide safe working conditions. Workers have the right to interrupt their work or leave their posts if they feel threatened by unsafe conditions, and they are entitled to compensation for the time spent doing so.

The issue of workplace safety during heatwaves has gained particular attention following recent data showing that many office buildings lack air conditioning. According to an expert from BNM Real Estate Advisory, nearly 5 percent of office buildings in major cities such as Warsaw, Wrocław, Kraków, Gdansk, Katowice, Poznan, and Lodz do not have permanent air conditioning systems. In some cities, such as Lodz, over 13 percent of office buildings lack air conditioning, highlighting the challenge faced by workers in older structures that were not originally designed for modern climate conditions.

During heatwaves, employees often rely on alternative methods to cool down, including increased ventilation, fans, opening windows, and using portable air conditioners. Experts also recommend limiting solar exposure by using blinds, shutters, or awnings to block sunlight before it reaches windows and interior spaces. While these temporary solutions can help mitigate discomfort, they do not fully address the long-term need for better infrastructure in workplaces.

Under the proposed changes, workers in non-air-conditioned offices may be eligible for additional breaks or even extra days off starting in 2027. However, the implementation of these measures will depend on the feasibility of halting work without causing disruptions in critical sectors. Exceptions are planned for industries such as law enforcement, border control, childcare, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, hospitality, and food service, where continuous operations are essential.

Currently, there is no legal requirement for employers to provide free drinks, shorten working hours, or install air conditioning when temperatures rise above 28 degrees Celsius indoors. Employers are expected to adapt their practices to meet safety standards, but the new regulations aim to make these requirements more explicit. As the consultation process continues, the final shape of the decree will likely reflect input from various stakeholders, including industry representatives and labor unions, to balance worker protection with operational realities.