France: Protecting Employees during Heatwaves
With effect from July 1st 2025, employers are required to take measures to protect their employees against harm during heatwaves.
Companies must evaluate the possible impact of heatwaves on their workforce and where necessary, take protective steps such as adjusting working hours to cooler times, providing cooling equipment and access to cold drinking water.
The new rule requires employers, for the first time, to ensure workplaces are not too hot. Previously, the obligation was limited to ensuring the workplace wasn’t too cold.
Action: Carry out the assessment of the potential impact of heatwaves and have plans in place for dealing with them in good time.
This is a high level general update only. Legal advice should be obtained on specific circumstances.