As Europe continues to experience intense heatwaves, many workers are asking: When is it too hot to work? Understanding the risks of heat stress, recognizing the warning signs, and knowing your legal protections is crucial for staying safe — both physically and mentally.
From Italy’s farms to Germany’s warehouses and beyond, soaring summer temperatures are making it increasingly too hot to work safely. The consequences of prolonged exposure to extreme heat can be severe — and they go beyond physical exhaustion.
Heat Stress: More Than Just Physical Strain
When it becomes too hot to work, the human body struggles to regulate its core temperature. Heat stress can result in:
- Heat exhaustion
- Heat stroke
- Dehydration
- Kidney issues
- Worsening heart and respiratory conditions
What’s often overlooked is the mental health toll of working in extreme heat.
Mental Health and Heat
Extreme temperatures can significantly affect emotional and cognitive well-being. When it’s too hot to work, people may experience:
- Irritability and anxiety
- Fatigue and sleep disturbance
- Cognitive decline and mood disorders
- Aggravation of existing mental health conditions like depression or anxiety
This is particularly concerning for those in high-pressure jobs like healthcare, emergency response, or physically intensive outdoor labor.
Understanding When It’s Too Hot to Work
Unlike pollutants such as air quality, the EU has no uniform rules on heat exposure. That leaves each country to determine when it’s too hot to work based on their own standards.
A more accurate way to measure heat stress is through the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which considers temperature, humidity, wind, and solar radiation.
WBGT Heat Threat Levels:
- Low
- Elevated
- Moderate
- High
- Extreme
In much of Europe, WBGT readings above 29–32°C can make it too hot to work safely in physically demanding roles like agriculture, construction, or firefighting. Even indoor workers in poorly ventilated spaces are not exempt from these risks.
Warning Signs of Heat Stress
If it feels too hot to work, watch for these symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Fainting
If any of these occur, stop working immediately, find a cool and shaded area, hydrate, and rest. If symptoms last more than 30 minutes, seek medical help.
Your Legal Rights During Heatwaves
Several EU countries have regulations to protect workers when it’s too hot to work, including France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Greece.
- France requires employers to supply drinking water and adjust work hours during high heat.
- Italy may ban outdoor work during peak temperature hours.
- Germany and others set heat thresholds based on work intensity (light, moderate, high).
While the EU Occupational Safety and Health Framework Directive mandates that employers protect worker health, there is still no specific legislation on heat stress.
According to the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), every worker has the right to refuse dangerous work, including situations where it is too hot to work safely. However, enforcement remains inconsistent.
The ETUC is pushing for stronger protections such as:
- Mandatory health screenings for at-risk workers
- Legal right to stop work during extreme heat
- Required adjustments in workplace conditions during heatwaves
Mental Health: The Hidden Cost of Working in Heat
Working when it’s too hot to work doesn’t only strain your body. It wears on your mind.
Heat-related stress can lead to:
- Reduced concentration and increased errors
- Irritability, emotional exhaustion, and burnout
- More frequent mental health complaints among employees
Employers must take these issues seriously by:
- Providing mental health support
- Ensuring rest and hydration breaks
- Encouraging open communication
- Training teams to recognize both physical and mental symptoms of heat stress
Final Thoughts
As climate change intensifies, extreme heat is becoming a regular workplace hazard. If it feels too hot to work, it probably is. Learn to recognize the risks, protect your health, and speak up for safer workplace policies — your life may depend on it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When is it legally too hot to work in the EU?
There is no universal EU law, but many countries set WBGT thresholds around 29–32°C depending on job type. Check national regulations for exact limits.
Q2: What should I do if I feel unwell during a heatwave at work?
Stop immediately, move to a cool area, hydrate, and rest. If recovery takes more than 30 minutes, seek medical help. Report your condition to a supervisor.
Q3: Are mental health issues from working in heat taken seriously?
Yes. Prolonged exposure to heat can impact mood, cognition, and overall mental health. Employers should treat this as part of worker well-being.
Q4: Can I refuse to work if it’s too hot?
In many EU countries, yes — especially if your health is at risk. Check your country’s labor laws or consult with your union or HR department.
Q5: Is my employer required to provide water and cooling measures?
In some countries like France and Spain, yes. Even where not legally required, good practice dictates employers must protect workers from heat-related harm.
