The corresponding heat protection regulation from the Ministry of Social Affairs is under review until August 20. According to the ministry, only a few statements have been received so far, none of which contain a fundamentally opposing stance. The Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ) can live with the proposal, as shown in the response to an APA inquiry.

"Businesses are very concerned about having healthy employees, so measures to protect health are important," said the WKÖ upon inquiry. "Even previously, companies had to evaluate health risks in the workplace, determine and implement measures to prevent these risks." The planned regulation thus specifies already existing obligations. "For the economy, it is important that bureaucracy is minimized and that the required measures are practical." The Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) did not respond to a request for their position.

According to the ministry, none of the few statements received so far express a fundamental rejection. "This shows how important protection from heat in the work environment is and how broad the consensus is on this matter." "Specific clarifications and individual suggestions for further development" have been proposed, which will of course be reviewed. Unlike statements on legislative proposals, these go to the ministry and not to the parliament, where they are publicly accessible.

Heat Protection Regulation: Consultation Instead of Sanctions in Case of Complaints

According to the ministry of Korinna Schumann (SPÖ), it is generally true that the protection of employees has the highest priority. However, the regulation does not aim for immediate sanctions for companies that do not pay enough attention to heat protection for their employees: "Complaints about unreasonable working conditions - also in connection with heat - are treated confidentially by the labor inspection and thoroughly checked. In case of identified deficiencies, employers are initially advised and asked to rectify them. Only in exceptional cases does it lead to a report."

The regulation (see: https://go.apa.at/1kQmCE4b) is set to come into force on January 1, 2026 - likely at temperatures that do not lead to immediate application. In addition to protection plans that must be implemented from a certain heat warning level by GeoSphere Austria (30 to 34 degrees), mandatory equipment of sick bays with air conditioning and the provision of protective clothing for construction workers are planned for construction. The new regulation covers all outdoor work. It is intended to focus primarily on the specific field of activity and the severity of the burden. There will be transition periods for retrofitting in construction. The length of the period was not yet foreseeable. Minister Schumann described the regulation as a "milestone."

Unions and the Chamber of Labor had demanded mandatory rules. Heat leave in construction is only voluntary from 32.5 degrees. In this case, workers continue to receive 60 percent of their wages. With the example of hairdressers, the vida union and the Chamber of Labor demanded rules like those in the heat protection regulation - which does not provide for heat leave - also for indoor jobs just yesterday.

(APA/Red)

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