As Europe faces record-breaking summer heatwaves, growing concerns are emerging over the health and safety of workers exposed to extreme temperatures, especially in outdoor and physically demanding jobs. Despite the mounting risks, the European Union currently lacks unified legislation addressing occupational heat stress, leaving member states to enforce their own protections.
From agricultural fields in Italy to logistics warehouses in Germany, rising temperatures are placing millions of workers at risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion, kidney damage, cardiovascular strain, and even death.
This summer, the issue was brought into sharp focus after a 51-year-old street cleaner in Barcelona collapsed and died following her shift during a heatwave. Spanish authorities are investigating whether excessive heat contributed to her death.
While air pollution and chemical exposure are regulated across the EU, occupational heat remains largely ungoverned at the bloc-wide level. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), nearly 19,000 workers die globally each year due to extreme heat, and in the EU alone, workplace deaths related to heat have increased by 42% since 2000.
The risk is not confined to outdoor labourers. Indoor workers, especially in poorly ventilated spaces such as factories and offices, also face health threats during extreme heat events. Experts point to the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) as a more accurate measure of heat risk, as it incorporates humidity, wind, and solar radiation in addition to air temperature.
In response to the growing threat, some EU countries have enacted protective measures. France mandates that employers provide fresh drinking water and adjust working conditions during heatwaves. In Italy, local governments have temporarily banned outdoor work during peak heat hours. Countries like Germany, Slovenia, and Spain also have similar provisions in place.
Guidelines typically recommend halting high-intensity work at 29–30°C, moderate work at 30–31°C, and light work at 31.5–32.5°C, though enforcement varies.
Health officials urge workers to watch for early signs of heat stress, including dizziness, nausea, fatigue, muscle cramps, and confusion. “There is a lack of awareness about the risk,” said Alessandro Marinaccio, a researcher at Italy’s National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), which has developed a risk-mapping tool based on job type and exposure.
Ignacio Doreste of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) emphasized workers’ rights under EU law to refuse dangerous work conditions, including extreme heat. The ETUC is advocating for formal EU legislation to guarantee medical evaluations and legal protections for workers exposed to excessive heat.
“Extreme heat cannot be treated as a seasonal inconvenience,” said Doreste. “It’s a growing occupational hazard that demands immediate legal action.” Workers unsure of their rights are advised to consult trade unions, employee representatives, or review their employment contracts.
