Keep workers safe in the heat

Why is this important?

Too hot to think. Too hot to sleep. Too hot to work. 

That’s what it’s like for many of us right now, as temperatures climb past 40 degrees in parts of Europe. [1]

Working in extreme heat can be deadly. [2] And as our bodies struggle to function in the heat, accidents on the job become more common. When temperatures rise over 30C, workplace accidents rise sharply. [3]

Some countries, like Belgium and Hungary, have introduced maximum working temperatures. But with no EU-wide law, millions of us risk injury or even death when a heatwave hits.

And every year it gets hotter. France just recorded its hottest day ever. [4] This won’t be the last record set. 

If we don’t force our leaders to act now, there will be more deaths, more illness and more injuries at work. But nothing is final yet. If enough of us speak up, we can push them to guarantee that workers are protected from extreme heat. 

Sign the petition now to call on the EU, its member states and the UK to ensure workers are safe from extreme heat. 

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