Workers need protection as temperatures soar
Workers need protection as temperatures soar - The Labour Party
- Government must act now on workplace heat protections
- Labour calls for legally defined maximum workplace temperature limits
Labour workers’ rights spokesperson Senator Nessa Cosgrove has called on the Government to urgently introduce legally defined maximum temperature limits for workplaces as Ireland prepares for a heatwave.
Senator Cosgrove said:
“While temperatures reaching 30 degrees may feel like a novelty in Ireland, the reality for many workers is very different. For people working in poorly ventilated offices, warehouses, kitchens, factories, retail settings and construction sites, excessive heat can quickly become uncomfortable, harmful and, in some cases, dangerous.
“Climate change is increasingly exposing workers across the world to occupational heat stress and Ireland is not immune. We are already seeing higher summer temperatures and more frequent weather warnings. Workers deserve protections that reflect this new reality.
“At present, Irish law sets minimum workplace temperatures but provides no legally defined maximum temperature limit. That is a gap in our health and safety framework, particularly as our environment changes. Workers should not have to endure unsafe conditions because the law has failed to keep pace with changing weather patterns. Government must respond with legislation that protects workers rather than leaving people exposed to unnecessary risks.
”This is already common practice across Europe. In Germany, a workplace has a normal maximum temperature of 26C. In Spain, a maximum temperature is set at 27C for work spaces. The European Trade Union Confederation has called for a Directive to establish binding maximum working temperatures, alongside mandatory heat risk assessments tailored to sector and work intensity. Ireland should act before it’s too late.
“We have the evidence, we have the warnings and now we need the legislation. Maximum temperature limits must be introduced in law for all workplaces. Government cannot continue to ignore the growing risks posed by extreme heat. We need comprehensive legislation to prevent occupational heat stress, ensure fair and safe working conditions, and enforce employer responsibilities. Workers deserve protection, and the time to act is now.”