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As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, how can the health and safety of workers exposed to them be safeguarded? Above what temperature should action be taken? What action should be taken?
The new EUROGIP report provides an overview of the answers to these questions in a number of countries:
- Europe: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
- Worldwide: Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, South Africa, the Gulf States, China, Japan and South Korea.
One of the main issues – and a difficult one – in dealing with the risks associated with high heat or heatwaves is setting a maximum limit working temperature. The stakeholders in these countries have adopted different positions on this issue. In terms of prevention, their initiatives range from legislation to the development of monitoring and early warning systems, collective agreements, standardisation, awareness-raising campaigns, appropriate personal protective equipment, etc.
Drawn up at the suggestion of the OPPBTP and the “occupational risks” insurance scheme, the report focuses in particular on outdoor occupations, which are particularly affected by heatwaves.
Download the report (available also in French)
