Resistance to Heat Protection Regulation Remains Limited
In light of increasing heatwaves, there should be more protection for outdoor workers in Austria starting in early 2026. The review phase of the corresponding heat protection regulation by the Ministry of Social Affairs is now over. Out of a total of 23 submitted statements, five were of a critical nature, the authority informed the APA. WKÖ and IV criticize the bureaucratic effort and costs. The ministry stated that the regulation aims to close gaps.
Heat Protection Regulation to Take Effect on January 1
Specifically, the regulation, which covers all outdoor work, includes protection plans that must be implemented at a certain heat warning level from GeoSphere Austria (30 to 34 degrees). In the construction sector, the equipment of sick bays with air conditioning will be mandatory, as well as the general provision of protective clothing. The heat protection regulation is set to take effect on January 1, 2026. There are transition periods for retrofitting in construction.
In principle, companies already take independent measures to protect employees, emphasize the Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ) and the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) in their statements. "The planned regulation creates uniform framework conditions - it builds on already proven practical measures and complements them where there are regulatory gaps," the ministry stated. "This is about the health of employees, which in turn leads to fewer sick leaves, which is in the interest of companies," it is argued.
Schumann Calls Planned Heat Protection Regulation a "Milestone"
In response to a construction manager's remark that state noise protection regulations would make it difficult to shift work to the morning hours, the ministry countered: "Work without noise development would already be possible before 6 a.m." The authority also rejects the criticism of increased bureaucratic effort. The planned regulation mainly specifies protection obligations that were already to be observed. The ministry intends to carefully review the submitted statements and adjust if necessary.
Social Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) described the planned regulation as a "milestone." She sees a broad consensus among "stakeholders" on the protection of employees from heat, given the "few critical responses."
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.