Like construction unionist Josef Muchitsch and Porr CEO Karl-Heinz Strauss, she praised the regulations and particularly emphasized the protection plans, which will require employers to implement clear steps for heat protection outdoors in the future.
Heat: Regulation and Protection Plans from 2026 Receive Praise
31-07-2025, 14:59
SPÖ Social Minister Korinna Schumann once again drew attention to heat stress for workers on Thursday and highlighted proposed protective measures from an already presented heat regulation.
Law to Take Effect in 2026
The law, which is currently under review, is set to take effect on January 1, 2026. In addition to the protection plans, which must be implemented from a certain heat warning level by GeoSphere Austria (30 to 34 degrees), mandatory equipment of air-conditioned rest cabins and the provision of protective clothing for construction workers are also planned, as reported for the construction sector.
The new regulation, which covers not only construction but also outdoor work in general, primarily focuses on the specific field of activity and the severity of the burden, emphasized the politician. There will be transition periods for retrofitting in construction. However, the length of the period is currently not yet foreseeable, said Schumann, who described her own regulation as a "milestone."
Joy for Muchitsch
A mandatory heat-free regulation in construction from a certain temperature, as demanded by the construction union (GBH) in the past, will not be included in the regulation. Nevertheless, FSG leader and SPÖ parliamentarian Muchitsch was pleased that the issue of heat, given the increasing number of tropical days, has "finally arrived in politics." The aim now is to implement the measures as best as possible. In parallel, he wants to work with the industry on further steps - a particular concern for him is the working hours or the start and end of construction on particularly hot days.
There was praise for the domestic construction company Porr, which has been exemplary in implementing protective measures for years, said Schumann and Muchitsch in unison. Group CEO Strauss explicitly welcomed the measures, even though he is fundamentally "not a fan of regulations," as he noted. He wants to actively participate in the review process to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy and make the regulations practical. However, the related discussion with the social partners is "extremely fruitful" anyway.
(APA/Red)
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