Minister of Family Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk has called on the National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) to intensify inspections of workplaces during the ongoing heatwave. Among the measures being considered is a reduction in working hours, provided that employees’ pay is not cut.
Poland is bracing for extreme heat, with temperatures in some regions expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius. The minister’s letter to PIP, first reported by Fakt, seeks to verify whether employers are properly protecting their staff. The move comes as heat alerts are issued across Europe, including in France, Portugal, Italy and Croatia.
“I am writing to ask you to step up inspections aimed at verifying whether employers are complying with the rules protecting workers from heat and high temperatures in the workplace. These actions are necessary due to the occurrence of heatwaves during the summer season and are intended to improve the safety of people working on hot days,” Dziemianowicz-Bąk wrote.
What employers must provide during heatwaves
Under existing regulations, employers are obliged to adapt work organisation to weather conditions. They may shorten the working day or introduce additional breaks, but without reducing wages. The ministry reminded that earlier dismissal due to heat cannot result in lower pay.
Key obligations include providing free drinking water, ensuring shaded rest areas, protecting rooms from excessive heating, and – if necessary – equipping them with air conditioning or fans. PIP inspectors will also check for proper ventilation and the availability of cool drinking water throughout the shift.
Inspections and legal framework
The Labour Inspectorate will focus on sectors most exposed to heat, such as construction, agriculture and logistics. Employers who fail to comply may face fines or be ordered to stop work. The government’s proactive stance reflects a growing awareness of climate-related risks to employee health and productivity.
Meanwhile, heatwaves are not only a Polish problem. Southern Europe has already seen several days of extreme temperatures, prompting similar measures in other countries. In Poland, the worst heat is expected over the coming weekend, and authorities urge both employers and workers to take precautions.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. PAP/Piotr Polak
