According to the government’s program, the federal government plans to improve heat protection for workers — especially for those working outdoors. A corresponding regulation is currently being developed “at full speed,” said a spokesperson for Social Affairs Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) on Tuesday in response to an APA inquiry. The aim is to create a regulation that “has substance” and will be completed in the coming days. ORF also reported on the planned measure.
The coalition parties ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS state in the government program that it concerns a “dedicated protective regulation for employees working outdoors, not general time off due to heat.” Since the regulation is not yet finalized, the spokesperson declined to share details. Discussions are still ongoing with social partners, and “many aspects still need coordination and internal consideration.” However, work is “nearing completion.”
The goal is to ensure “solid heat protection for people — with concrete, clear, and understandable rules, especially for outdoor workers.” Labor law aspects must also be taken into account.
Rising heatwaves make workplace protection a priority
With heatwaves becoming more frequent and longer-lasting, the issue has gained significant public attention. The national heat protection plan does not specifically mention workers. Yet, heat stress can strain the circulatory system, reduce concentration, and increase the risk of accidents.
Voluntary heat leave already possible in construction
In the construction sector, unlike the planned regulation, heat leave already exists — but on a voluntary basis. According to the union, this voluntary system is not applied often enough and “fails” in practice.
A special rule allows construction companies to release employees from work at temperatures of 32.5°C or higher. However, there is no obligation to do so — and not all employers use this option. When heat leave is granted, both employees and employers are entitled to reimbursement from the bad weather fund of the BUAK (Construction Workers’ Holiday and Severance Pay Fund), which they jointly finance.
Last year, BUAK recorded a record year with 29 official heat days (over 32.5°C in the shade), based on readings from weather stations closest to construction sites, according to Geosphere Austria.
Expert: Earlier shifts and siesta could help
Commenting on the upcoming regulation, Hans-Peter Hutter from the Medical University of Vienna said on ORF radio on Monday: “We need to think about reorganizing schedules so some professions might start much earlier.” A siesta could also be a possibility. However, he stressed that childcare arrangements must also be considered if workers are to begin their shifts significantly earlier.
