Heat -free at work? Left boss van Aken demands immediate measures!

Heat -free at work? Left boss van Aken demands immediate measures!

In the course of the increasing temperatures and the progressive climate crisis, Jan van Aken, chairman of the Left Party, calls for a fundamental reform of occupational safety. In a current action paper entitled "Heat protection is occupational safety - act now", van Aken suggests that daily working hours should be shortened by a quarter from 26 degrees Celsius. This claim was loud on June 9, 2025, and Van Aken emphasizes the urgent need for immediate measures that should be implemented by July 2025. He sees the health risks that arise from exorbitant temperatures in the workplace as part of a social crisis that cannot be ignored.

A number of specific measures are proposed in the paper. At temperatures above 26 degrees, employees should have the right to additional breaks, sufficient water and sunscreen. The home office would also be an option under these conditions. At extreme temperatures over 30 degrees, working hours could even be shortened by up to 50 percent. These regulations are intended to ensure that employees are not only legally protected, but also practically preserved from health impairments.

legal framework and health protection

The legal framework for heat protection in Germany must also be taken into account. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers are obliged to carry out hazard assessments in order to ensure the safety and health of their employees. This assessment is a central tool to protect against excessive heat load. At temperatures above 26 degrees, employers are required to implement specific protective measures in order to secure the well -being of their employees. This includes technical and organizational measures. Personal protective measures must be dealt with, as in BGW

The Workplace Ordinance also defines that a health -friendly room temperature should be sought. At temperatures above 30 degrees, effective measures are required to reduce the burden on employees. These legal requirements are essential not only to protect the physical health of employees, but also to counter psychological stress due to high temperatures.

climate change and effects on the workplace

The increasing heat periods in summer, which are caused by climate change, have a direct impact on jobs. A study shows that increased heat exposure can not only occur health impairments such as headache and nausea-the risk of accidents also increases significantly. The most important symptoms of heat load are irritability and weakness that affect the performance of the employees.

This context illustrates that employers are not only obliged to carry out risk assessments, but also have to take suitable protective measures in order to ensure the health of their employees. A consciousness is required for the risks that arise from excessive heat in the workplace and suitable measures to prevent these dangers. New technical regulations could also help to efficiently address the topic of heat in the workplace.

The conclusion shows that the demands of the Left Party boss Jan van Aken are contemporary. In order to protect the health of the employees, rethinking the employment law framework is essential. In view of the upcoming climate change, both companies and politics have to act quickly.