Keep workers safe in the heat
To the European Commission and the governments of the member states of the EU and the UK
Petition
As climate change worsens, heat waves will become more frequent and more severe. We call on you to ensure there is sufficient legislation in place to protect workers from excessive heat. This includes but is not limited to:
- Maximum working temperatures - taking into consideration aspects such as the type of work (e.g. sedentary or physical labour), location, sun exposure and more
- Mandatory workplace heat risk assessments that are inclusive and take into account the specific risks that heat exposure poses to groups like pregnant or older workers, or workers with pre-existing health conditions.
- Risk minimisation measures such as shaded areas, access to water, adapted work hours and cooling breaks.
Why is this important?
Too hot to think. Too hot to sleep. Too hot to work.
That’s what it’s been like for many of us, as temperatures climbed 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, workplace accidents rise sharply. [3]
Some countries, like Belgium and Hungary, have set maximum working temperatures. But most haven’t, and with no EU-wide law, millions of us risk injury or even death during a heatwave.
If our leaders don’t act now, there will be more deaths, more illness and more injuries at work. But if enough of us speak up, we can force them to act before another heatwave hits.
Sign the petition now to call on the EU, its member states and the UK to ensure workers are safe from extreme heat.
References:
[1] https://www.ndtvprofit.com/world/europe-under-blazing-heatwave-with-temperature-set-to-touch-45-c-in-france-check-forecast-11671207
[2] https://www.etuc.org/en/pressrelease/new-heat-tragedies-call-maximum-working-temperatures
[3] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5ylwxl5n01o