In recent years, heatwaves have become more frequent and naturally this can affect employees at work. Common health issues arising from such heatwaves can include exhaustion, headache, fainting or dehydration and in some rare cases even death.

From a French employment law perspective, employers have a general obligation to take any measures necessary to ensure their employees’ health and safety at work, at all times. They are also required to adapt these measures taking into account any significant events and circumstances, which would include heatwaves.

General safety obligation

To date, the standard recommendation has been:

• To anticipate heatwaves

Employers must take preventive measures to anticipate the consequences of a heatwave for their workers and limit their potentially harmful effect, including:

• Conduct a risk assessment: Employers must perform an annual risk assessment that includes risks associated with heatwaves to prevent associated harmful effects for employees.
• Check work premises: Employers must ensure that the ventilation system of its premises is effective and complies with regulations.
• Adapt outdoor work environments: Employers must also protect employees working outdoors from climatic conditions such as providing shelters, shaded areas, and other accommodations.

• To protect employees during heatwaves

• Place fresh and clean water at the employees’ disposal, near their workstations.
• Inform employees of the risks arising from heatwaves, of the appropriate preventive measures and of the symptoms of heatstroke (this information may be prepared in cooperation with the occupational health services).
• Monitor the temperature within the workplace.
• Adapt working schedules (e.g. starting working earlier, taking additional breaks).
• Provide protective devices (fans, mister systems etc.) to the employees and install external shutters, blinds, shades etc.

Specific legislation from 1^st July 2025

In response to heatwaves become more frequent and intense, the government has decided to enhance its regulatory framework to better protect workers. From 1^st July 2025, a new decree will impose greater obligations on employers to prevent heat-related risks in the workplace.

What you need to know

The decree outlines specific steps employers must take to mitigate heat exposure, including:

• Using alternative work processes to reduce or eliminate heat exposure.
• Redesigning and rearranging workspaces to improve ventilation and minimize heat build-up.
• Adjusting schedules to limit the duration and intensity of heat exposure and ensuring adequate rest periods.
• Implementing technical solutions (e.g., sunshades, fans, misting systems) to reduce heat in workplaces.
• Increasing access to cool, drinkable water and ensuring it is stored in a way to maintain a cool temperature near work areas.
• Selecting work equipment that helps maintain stable body temperatures.
• Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) that mitigates high temperatures or shields against solar radiation.
• Offering clear and effective training on heat safety protocols and the correct use of equipment and PPE, with the goal of reducing exposure as much as technically feasible.

Response based on Weather Alerts

The level of an employer’s responsibility is linked to Météo-France’s weather warning levels (green, yellow, orange or red). In cases of orange or red alerts, heightened protective measures must be implemented immediately.

Inspections and Sanctions

Breach by employers of their obligations may trigger significant risks of claims in the event of work accidents. In addition, if no specific corrective measure is taken, employees are entitled to leave the work premises on the basis that they are exposed to serious and imminent danger. The French labour inspection authority is empowered to act in cases of non-compliance.

What you need to do

• Plan ahead: Update your risk assessment document and document all heatwave prevention actions to demonstrate compliance
• Adjust the organisation of the work:  Modify work schedules and processes
• Adapt workstations
• Provide appropriate work equipment, materials, PPE etc.
• Ensure access to fresh drinking water
• Educate and train employees
• Protect vulnerable workers such as pregnant employees, older workers and those with chronic health conditions.