.svg)
Decree no. 2025-482 of May 27, 2025 and the Order of May 27, 2025 reinforce worker protection against heat-related risks as of July 1, 2025.
In particular, the employer must assess the risks associated with worker exposure to intense heat, define the appropriate preventive measures to be implemented during such episodes, and adapt the prevention plans and other documents drawn up when an outside company is involved.
Hot periods
The decree of May 27, 2025 defines heat periods based on Météo France's "canicule" alert system. An episode of intense heat corresponds to the attainment of the "yellow" (peak heat), "orange" (heat wave) or "red" (extreme heat wave) vigilance thresholds.
Risk assessment and prevention measures
All employers are required to assess the risks associated with worker exposure to intense heat, both indoors and outdoors. The risk assessment is recorded in the document unique d'évaluation des risques professionnels (DUERP).
Preventive measures
Once the risk assessment has been completed, if a risk to workers' health or safety has been identified, the employer must define preventive measures to reduce workers' exposure to heat (modification of workstation layout and organization, adaptation of work organization, technical means to reduce solar radiation on exposed surfaces, information and training for workers on what to do in the event of extreme heat, etc.).
These preventive measures are implemented during an episode of intense heat and adapted according to the intensity of the heat. They are also adapted, in liaison with the occupational health and safety service (SPST), when the employer is aware of a worker's vulnerability to exposure to intense heat (due in particular to age or state of health).
Definition of reporting and rescue procedures
The employer establishes procedures for reporting any appearance of a worrying physiological sign, or a situation of discomfort or distress, as well as for providing assistance as quickly as possible (particularly for isolated or remote workers). They are communicated to the SPST and brought to the attention of workers.
Fresh drinking water available
During an episode of intense heat, the employer is required to provide a sufficient quantity of drinking water, kept cool throughout the day and in the vicinity of workstations, particularly when they are located outdoors.
Adapting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) selection criteria to periods of extreme heat
Employers must take atmospheric conditions into account when defining the PPE to be provided and used by employees.
Outside contractors and self-employed workers
Heat-related hazards must be taken into account when organizing work.
Thus, when drawing up a prevention plan, a general coordination plan and a specific health and safety protection plan, the risk of exposure to episodes of intense heat must be taken into account.
Self-employed workers and employers
Self-employed workers and employers who work directly on :
- a building and civil engineering site;
- a forestry and silvicultural site;
- working at height in trees ;
- tree felling and pruning;
must implement preventive measures designed to reduce workers' exposure to heat, as defined in the French Labor Code, during an episode of intense heat.
On these sites, workers are reminded that fresh drinking water must be made available to them. It is now specified that in the absence of running water, the quantity of water made available is at least 3 liters per day per worker.
Sanctions
Failure to define preventive measures for risks associated with worker exposure to intense heat may result in the Labour Inspectorate implementing a formal notice procedure. In such cases, the minimum time limit for compliance is set at 8 days.