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Global warming is leading to increasingly frequent, intense and long periods of extreme heat. Companies must take this risk into account, and redouble their vigilance to protect their workers. Here's a closer look at the measures you need to put in place!
What are the challenges of exposure to high heat?
Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can have serious consequences for workers' health. The body's thermal regulation mechanisms can become ineffective or overwhelmed by the effects of high outside temperatures and high humidity.
Notable effects include heatstroke, dehydration and heart rate disorders. The most serious problem is heatstroke, which can lead to death.
According to the Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS), there are four levels of severity of heat exposure, characterized by specific effects on the body:
The construction, agricultural and forestry sectors are particularly concerned by exposure to heat during the summer months, especially in the case of arduous physical tasks. However, all companies can be affected by heatwaves.
In addition to its direct effects on the body, heat also amplifies the risk of accidents at work, not only by causing functional impairment (e.g. clammy hands, impaired vision due to sweating), but also by having psychological and cognitive effects (e.g. increased reaction time, increased risk of errors and omissions).
🔎 Focus: In the summer of 2023, 11 reports of work-related fatalities possibly linked to heat were transmitted to Santé Publique France. Half of these work-related accidents occurred in the context of a professional construction activity. 10 occurred during periods of extreme heat (maximum temperature over 30°C), including 3 during heatwaves (source: Bulletin de santé publique, bilan de l'été 2023).
How can you prevent risks to your workers?
In 2021, the Direction Générale de la Santé (DGS) published an ORSEC guide dedicated to measures to be taken in the event of heat waves in all public and private sectors of activity. You will find below the main measures applicable to employers.
Measures ahead of a heat wave
There's no need to wait for a heat wave before taking action. In a context where this phenomenon is becoming more and more common, its occurrence must be taken into account well in advance to guarantee the effectiveness of measures and limit the risks to employees as much as possible.
The French Labor Code does not set any maximum temperature above which it would be forbidden to work. However, risk assessment must take into account the risks associated with hot weather. Consequently, the most exposed workstations must be identified and their exposure to risk assessed in the DUERP (document unique d'évaluation des risques professionnels).
A number of factors need to be taken into account in this assessment:
- factors inherent to the workstation: whether working outdoors or not, duration of exposure, carrying loads, etc.
- factors linked to the organization or layout of work areas: working hours, breaks, task rotation, air conditioning, shaded areas, access to water, etc.
- individual factors: workers' physical condition, pathologies, pregnancy, etc.
It is also important to check, in advance of the summer period, that the appropriate technical devices are in place to limit the effects of heat (blinds, ventilation, etc.), and that they are working properly. It should be remembered that air renewal is a statutory requirement in enclosed premises where employees are required to stay (article R4222-1 C. trav.).
ℹ Please note: For the most exposed companies, it may be necessary to draw up an internal heat wave management plan. If this is the case, a person in charge of its preparation and implementation should be appointed.
The thermal insulation of buildings plays an important role in the summer comfort of workplaces. So, when designing new buildings or renovating existing ones, it's a good idea to choose solutions adapted to high temperatures, in line with the new regulations in force (2020 environmental regulations, tertiary sector decree).
Heat wave measures
From June 1 to September 15, weather monitoring is stepped up for the heatwave phenomenon. During this period, it is therefore important to check the weather forecasts regularly, so as to be able to anticipate the implementation of measures and adapt them once they have been put in place.
ℹ Please note: The national heatwatch map can be consulted at https://vigilance.meteofrance.fr. A "Canicule Info Service" telephone platform can also be reached on 0800 06 66 66 for further information in the event of a heatwave.
During a heat wave, employers must take all necessary measures to protect the physical and mental health of their workers. This includes :
- set up appropriate organization and resources to limit exposure to heat: staggered working hours, task rotation, more frequent breaks, etc.
- provide employees with fresh drinking water (article R4225-2 C. trav.) and means of protection and/or cooling: fans, misters, humidifiers, etc.
- Enable employees to adapt their work patterns to the hottest hours of the day, and encourage telecommuting whenever possible;
- Provide enhanced protection measures for employees working in environments with extreme temperatures, especially those with a medical history;
- ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) is compatible with hot weather;
- ensure proper air renewal in enclosed premises where staff are required to stay (article R4222-1 C. trav.) and regularly monitor the temperature in these premises;
- report any abnormal situation potentially related to heat to the labor inspectorate.
ℹ Note: According to the INRS, a temperature of over 28°C for a job requiring physical activity and 30°C for sedentary work should constitute a warning.
Worker involvement is particularly important to ensure that measures are fully effective. It is therefore essential to inform and train them well in advance about safe behaviour and methods of protection in hot weather, in particular :
- Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing;
- hydrate regularly, even when you're not thirsty;
- protect their skin and eyes from the sun's rays (headgear, sunglasses, clothing covering arms and legs, etc.);
- get into the shade regularly;
- avoid strenuous physical exertion;
- report any unusual symptoms and be attentive to the symptoms of colleagues ;
- etc.
Special provisions also apply to outdoor workers, including construction workers, who are on the front line in the event of a heat wave. In particular, companies must :
- arrange workstations so that workers are protected as far as possible (article R4225-1 C. trav.);
- provide premises where workers can be accommodated in conditions that protect their health and safety. In the absence of such premises, the worksite must be equipped to protect workers under equivalent conditions (article R4534-142-1 C. trav.) ;
- provide workers with at least 3 liters of water per person per day (article R4534-143 C. trav.).
Specific measures in the event of a "red heatwave" alert
The ORSEC Guide also includes specific instructions for employers in the event of a "vigilance rouge canicule" heatwave.
As a result, once this level of vigilance has been introduced, companies must carry out a daily reassessment of the risks incurred by each of their employees, based on :
- temperature and its evolution during the day;
- the nature of the work to be carried out;
- workers' age and state of health.
Depending on the results, the organization of work and the various measures put in place need to be adjusted.
Furthermore, if the risk assessment reveals that the measures are insufficient, particularly for work carried out at very high temperatures and with a heavy physical load (e.g. roof insulation work or handling loads), the employer must decide to stop the work.
⚠️ Caution: Should the employer fail to comply, the employee may refer the matter to the Labour Inspectorate and the Social and Economic Committee (CSE), if one exists. They may also exercise their right of withdrawal if they consider themselves to be in a situation of serious and imminent danger (article L4131-1 C. trav.).
What to do if a worker suffers heatstroke?
If warning signs are detected in a worker (severe fatigue, headaches, intense thirst, confusion, body temperature of 39°C, etc.), it is particularly important to act quickly. Here's how to proceed:
1) the first step is to call emergency services on 15 (SAMU) or 112 (emergency number);
2) then, if the victim is still conscious: place him/her in a cool, well-ventilated spot in the shade, remove clothing and cool him/her down (run cold water over the body, give small quantities of cool water to drink, etc.).);
3) if the victim loses consciousness: place him/her in the lateral safety position and keep an eye on him/her until help arrives.
Photo credit: 749537867 @amorn