Increased absences from heat-related conditions, such as heat stroke and sunstroke, reported. - Heat-related ailments on the rise: Higher frequency of employee absences attributable to excessive heat exposure
In response to the increasing number of heat-related sick days, particularly among men working in physically demanding outdoor jobs, the Green Party and the Left Party in Germany have proposed heat protection measures for workers.
The Green Party's proposal, aimed at health protection, seeks to enshrine an individual's right to heat leave in law if employers do not adequately protect their employees from heat. This heat leave could include adjusted working hours, longer paid breaks, sun protection, fans, or free drinks.
Cem Ince, a member of the Left Party, has called for a reform of the Workplace Ordinance and a requirement for concrete heat protection measures. His arguments emphasise the need for reduced working hours with full wage compensation to prevent heat-related injuries at work.
The proposed heat leave is a response to the rising number of heat-related sick days, which has seen a 12% increase from the previous peak in 2018. In 2023, there were around 92,700 sick days due to heat-related illnesses, with men taking 63,145 compared to 29,577 for women.
The Ministry of Social Affairs has stated that the revision of relevant rules regarding heat protection is on the agenda of the current work program. However, no target date has been given for the completion of these revisions.
Currently, Germany's workplace temperature guideline is around 26°C, but there is no strict upper limit if outside temperatures are higher. Employers have a responsibility to ensure worker safety and provide basic amenities such as fresh drinking water.
The proposed heat protection measures, if implemented, would see daily working hours reduced by 25% when temperatures reach 26°C, and employees would have the option to work only 50% of their hours if temperatures hit 30°C. Employees would also be allowed to work from home when possible and take longer breaks during heatwaves. Workplaces, particularly offices, would be equipped with adequate water, sun protection, and fans to help mitigate heat stress.
These proposals come from Jan van Acken, co-leader of Germany's Left Party, who argues that heat protection is essential for workers' health and productivity and has called for government action to implement these measures by July 2025.
Broader public health and awareness initiatives like the Heat Action Day 2025 highlight the urgency of heat protection, especially for vulnerable groups. This campaign involves medical and health organizations aiming to raise awareness about heat risks and promote preventive actions across society.
In summary, the key proposed heat protection measures in Germany include reducing work hours progressively when temperatures exceed 26°C and 30°C, allowing flexible work arrangements such as working from home, providing longer breaks, and ensuring workplaces are equipped with water, shade, and fans. Efforts to increase awareness and public health initiatives aim to complement workplace protections and prevent heat-related illnesses during increasingly frequent heatwaves due to climate change.
[1] [German Left Party Proposes Heat Leave for Workers Amid Rising Sick Days](https://www.example.com/german-left-party-proposes-heat-leave-for-workers-amid-rising-sick-days) [2] [Germany's Workplace Temperature Guidelines and Heat Protection Measures](https://www.example.com/germany-s-workplace-temperature-guidelines-and-heat-protection-measures) [3] [Heat Action Day 2025: A Campaign for Heat Protection and Awareness](https://www.example.com/heat-action-day-2025-a-campaign-for-heat-protection-and-awareness)
- The Green Party's proposal, grounded in health policy and science, emphasizes the need for a legal right to heat leave, incorporating adjustments such as reduced working hours, longer breaks, sun protection, fans, and free drinks, in an effort to ensure workplace-wellness and protect workers from heat-related illnesses.
- The Left Party's proposal, advocating for heat protection, calls for a reform of the Workplace Ordinance, necessitating concrete measures to reduce working hours with full wage compensation, as a means to safeguard mental health and promote health-and-wellness among employees during higher temperatures.
- In response to increasing heat-related sick days and the urgency of heat protection, particularly for men in physically demanding jobs, Germany has proposed broadening health policy to include provisions for fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and awareness campaigns like Heat Action Day 2025, highlighting the importance of these measures for fostering overall health and wellness in the community.
