Labour call for maximum temperature limits for all workplaces

• Workplace heat poses potential health risks
• Employers need to ensure adequate protections in place for workers and that no worker is out of pocket if workplaces close early.

Labour’s Health Spokesperson Marie Sherlock TD has today called for the introduction of legally defined maximum temperature limits for workplaces. With Ireland now facing higher summer temperatures due to climate change, she warned that action must be taken to protect workers’ health and safety. The Labour Party is urging the Government to act with urgency to legislate for workplace heat protections, echoing recent calls from the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) for a binding EU Directive on occupational heat exposure.

Deputy Sherlock said:

“Climate change is increasingly exposing workers across the world to occupational heat stress. Ireland is not immune to this. While temperatures hitting 30 degrees may feel like a novelty in Ireland, the reality for some workers is far from pleasant — and, in some cases, it may be dangerous. These temperatures can be particularly difficult for those working in spaces with poor ventilation or lack of air conditioning and for those working outdoors, they may be the absence of easily available water and shade.

“This isn’t just a short-term summer issue. Climate change is altering weather patterns in Ireland. We are more likely to see prolonged heatwaves and temperature warnings becoming a regular feature of working life. That must be met with a proper legal response.

“I echo the European Trade Union Confederation’s call for a Directive to establish binding maximum working temperatures, alongside mandatory heat risk assessments tailored to sector and work intensity. Ireland cannot afford to be left behind on this. In Germany, a workplace has a normal maximum temperature of 26C. In Spain, a maximum temperature is set at 27C for work spaces.

“We also support clear legal definitions of heat stress, the development of workplace heat management plans in cooperation with trade unions, and increased resourcing of labour inspections to ensure compliance.

“Critically, employers must be compelled to assess risks based on temperature, humidity, and airflow, and consider vulnerabilities including age, pregnancy, migrant status, and precarious working conditions.

“Government must also explore financial supports such as wage compensation for workers impacted by work stoppages due to heat. That’s about basic fairness.

“In advance of any legislation being enacted, our appeal is to employers to do the right thing, put protections in place for workers and ensure no worker is out of pocket for workplaces being closed early.

“ We have the evidence, we have the warnings, and now we need the legislation. Maximum temperature limits must be introduced in law for all workplaces. We need comprehensive legislation to prevent occupational heat stress, ensure fair and safe working conditions, and enforce employer responsibilities — especially for the most vulnerable workers.”