The brain is fried, the body is sweating like crazy: Despite this, it is still not possible to take a day off from work in the office or on the construction site, even at these record temperatures. The questions arise: How well can work be done in this scorching heat? What does the Occupational Safety and Health Act say about this? And do we need new rules if it keeps getting hotter?
THIS IS WHAT THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT SAYS
The dilemma is clear: on the one hand, health protection must be guaranteed. On the other hand, there is the need to save energy. And last but not least, there is the operational risk for employers if heat-related downtime increases. This includes productivity losses.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act clearly states that employers must ensure that temperatures are tolerable when the outside temperature is 26°C or higher. When the temperature in the shade is 30°C or higher, employers are obliged to take technical, organizational and personal measures to avoid harmful effects on health and to comply with the limit values. There are even provisions on temperature in the catalogue of fines.
SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER HEALTH RISKS OUTDOORS
When working outdoors, the health risks are significantly higher and it is often impossible to comply with the limits. Changing working hours or taking a siesta for hours is also not feasible for many companies and is met with resistance from employees. Drinking breaks are no longer sufficient when temperatures reach 50 – 60°C on the roof or on the construction site. And offering air-conditioned cooling rooms for breaks is no longer a real option due to the energy crisis.
EXPERTS RECOMMEND COOLING CLOTHING
That’s why Gerhard Citrich, head of the occupational health and safety department at IG Bau-Agrar-Umwelt, recommends cooling vests to protect employees in the SWR podcast. E.COOLINE cooling clothing offers effective heat protection indoors and outdoors, maintains health, concentration and performance even in extreme temperatures and only needs a little water for cooling.
