Heat battle at work: road builders brave 170 degrees Celsius!

Heat battle at work: road builders brave 170 degrees Celsius!

The summer heat has Germany firmly under control: in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, temperatures are expected to reach the mid-30s Celsius. While many people are looking to cool off, some workplaces are facing even more extreme conditions. Road builders who are currently in the middle of the asphalting process of the completely renovated B110 in Tutow don't have it easy. On site, the asphalt temperatures rise to an impressive 170 degrees Celsius, while the outside temperatures are 35 degrees, which makes little difference for the construction workers. These men and women are used to the heat and continue their daily work even in extreme weather conditions. Nordkurier reports that ...

Although many know that working outdoors in the heat is often challenging, workers have limited rights when it comes to “heat-free.” Increasing temperatures in the workplace raise questions about the rights of employees, as there is no legal regulation that provides a general right to time off in hot weather. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers are responsible for the safety of their employees and must take appropriate measures, but specific requirements are often not binding. This means they can decide for themselves how to react to rising temperatures, as long as they comply with general duties of care. Haufe explains the situation...

Employee rights and duties of care

At room temperatures above 26 degrees, employers have to take action. If the temperature exceeds 30 degrees, you are obliged to implement measures such as ventilation, providing cool drinks or flexible working hours. If the temperatures exceed 35 degrees, the workplace is no longer suitable for work. Employers must find solutions here immediately. Nevertheless: There is no legal right for employees to be heat-free. Tagesschau highlights rights in the workplace…

For the many people working outside, this means they must rely on their employers for protection. Shade sails, cool drinks and suitable clothing can be crucial to protecting the health of workers. In extreme conditions, such as in the construction industry, special regulations must be observed to protect workers. In fact, increased requirements such as longer breaks and providing water when temperatures are high may be key to keeping people on site in shape over the long term.

Climate change and its effects

Another factor that must not be neglected in this discussion is climate change. Heat waves have increased significantly in Germany in recent decades; the number of days with temperatures above 30 degrees has tripled from three times a year in the 1950s to up to nine days. This development not only has an impact on working conditions, but also on the health of the population. It is estimated that around 3,000 people died from heat-related complications in Germany last year. Older people and people with existing illnesses are particularly at risk. Cities are trying to alleviate the heat problem through greening measures and create a more livable environment.

It remains to be seen how working conditions and protection for employees in times of high summer temperatures will be further discussed and, if necessary, improved in the future. Summer has just begun and the heat will probably still present us with some challenges.