Bringing Relief to the Workplace Heat: A Call for Action from Left Party Leader Jan van Aken
Boss from the left advocates for reduced work duration in excessive heat conditions
Get ready for some serious talk about employee well-being! The heatwave isn't just causing discomfort; it's a serious threat to workers' health, according to Jan van Aken, leader of the Left Party. In his latest action paper entitled "Heat Protection is Workplace Safety - Act Now," van Aken suggests some drastic measures to keep workplaces cool and workers safe.
Working under the scorching sun or in a stuffy office may seem like a small price to pay, but van Aken argues otherwise. In his view, the climate crisis has a socio-economic side, and both outdoor and office workers suffer significant health issues due to the scorching heat. He counts heat stress as a major concern, particularly in workplaces with temperatures above 30°C (86°F).
But what can be done? Van Aken is urging the German government to implement immediate adjustments to the Workplace Ordinance by July 2025. Here's his plan:
- At temperatures above 26°C (79°F), workers should enjoy an additional 10-minute break per hour.
- Workers should have the right to adequate water and sun protection.
- Remote work should be an option.
- Full-time hours should be reduced by a quarter for temperatures above 26°C, and by half for temperatures above 30°C.
But what about the practicalities? The Union faction in the German parliament has its doubts. Spokesman Marc Biadacz (CDU) asserts that the current work safety system in Germany is robust enough to handle high temperatures, and the Left's initiative is impractical, especially for sectors like crafts, care workers, or the public sector. The AfD has flatly rejected the entire Left proposal, arguing that companies should be trusted to make their own decisions on employee safety measures.
The Greens, however, support van Aken's call for "adjusted working time regulations." Party colleague Andreas Audretsch emphasizes the unique dangers faced by outdoor workers exposed to extreme heat, such as those on construction sites or garbage trucks. He believes that adapted heat protection plans are necessary for each operation. The Left Party's action paper also includes calls for free sunscreen dispensers at beaches and more water dispensers in cities.
Now, let's take a look at the heat-related policies currently in place in other countries:
Stateside Heat Policies
Just across the pond, Washington State requires employers to provide shade, cool-down breaks, and water for outdoor workers exposed to temperatures of 80°F (27°C) or higher. Employers must closely monitor new or returning employees for 14 days to ensure acclimatization to heat.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also addresses heat risks through its National Emphasis Program (NEP), which targets both indoor and outdoor workplaces and focuses on inspections and enforcement to protect workers from heat hazards.
Future Heat Protection Plans
Proposed OSHA rules would require employers to develop heat hazard evaluation and control plans. Employers would be obligated to provide measures to protect employees from extreme temperatures. Colorado is also considering bill HB 25-1286, which aims to establish standards for worker safety during extreme temperatures.
Advocates suggest implementing the "20 percent rule," where employers gradually increase workload and heat exposure to allow workers to build heat tolerance. Regular breaks, water, and medical monitoring during high temperatures are also crucial to ensure worker safety. While specific proposals for universally reduced working hours during high temperatures are not yet detailed, the trend seems to favor providing more breaks and ensuring workers have adequate time to cool down. The proposed OSHA rule and Colorado legislation are examples of this approach. Employers are encouraged to implement flexible scheduling and regular breaks to help workers manage heat exposure effectively.
- In light of the growing concern over heat stress in workplaces, there is a call for increased focus on workplace wellness and health-and-wellness, as proposed by environmental-science initiatives, such as vocational training programs that emphasize climate-change and heat protection.
- As we consider the implementation of Community policy regarding workplace safety, it's important to address the need for vocational training in environmental-science, particularly in the areas of heat protection and workplace-wellness, to ensure that workers are equipped to deal with the impacts of climate-change.
- To further the conversation surrounding the impact of climate-change on worker health, it would be beneficial to explore the integration of environmental-science education, including vocational training in climate-change mitigation and adaptation, into the broader curriculum of vocational training programs.
