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Decree No. 2025-482 of May 27, 2025, and the Order of May 27, 2025, reinforce worker protection against heat-related risks, effective July 1, 2025.
Employers must, in particular, assess the risks associated with workers' exposure to intense heat episodes, define appropriate prevention measures to be implemented during these heat episodes, and adapt prevention plans and other documents established when an external company is involved.
Periods of heat
The Order of May 27, 2025, defines heat periods based on Météo France's heatwave vigilance system. heatwave vigilance system. As such, an intense heat episode corresponds to reaching the "yellow" (peak heat), "orange" (heatwave), or "red" (extreme heatwave) vigilance thresholds.
Risk assessment and prevention measures
Every employer must assess the risks associated with workers' exposure to intense heat episodes, for work performed both indoors and outdoors. The risk assessment is recorded in the single professional risk assessment document (DUERP).
Prevention measures
Following the risk assessment, if a risk to workers' health or safety is identified, the employer must define prevention measures to reduce workers' exposure to heat (modification of workstation layout and arrangement, adaptation of work organization, technical means to reduce solar radiation on exposed surfaces, information and training for workers on what to do in case of high heat, ...).
These prevention measures are implemented during intense heat episodes and adapted according to the heat's intensity. They are also adapted, in conjunction with the occupational health and prevention service (SPST), when the employer is aware of a worker's vulnerability to intense heat exposure (due, in particular, to their age or health condition).
Defining reporting and emergency procedures
The employer establishes procedures for reporting any concerning physiological signs, discomfort, or distress, as well as those designed to provide assistance as quickly as possible (especially for isolated or remote workers). These are communicated to the SPST and brought to the attention of workers.
Provision of potable and cool water
During an intense heatwave, employers are required to provide a sufficient quantity of drinking water, kept cool throughout the day and close to workstations, especially when they are outdoors.
Adapting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) selection criteria for periods of high heat
Employers must consider atmospheric conditions when determining the PPE provided to and used by employees.
External companies and self-employed workers
Heat-related risks must be considered when organizing work.
Thus, when establishing a prevention plan, a general coordination plan, and a specific health and safety protection plan, the risk of exposure to intense heat episodes must be taken into account.
Self-employed workers and employers
Self-employed workers and employers who directly carry out activities on:
- a building and civil engineering site;
- a forestry and silviculture site;
- work at height in trees;
- tree felling and pruning work;
must implement prevention measures aimed at reducing workers' exposure to heat, as defined in the labor code, during an intense heatwave.
On these sites, it is reiterated that fresh drinking water must be made available to workers. It is now specified that in the absence of running water, the quantity of water provided must be at least 3 liters per day per worker.
Sanctions
Failure to define preventive measures for risks associated with workers' exposure to intense heat episodes may lead to the labor inspectorate initiating a prior formal notice procedure. Where applicable, the minimum period for compliance is set at 8 days.