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Climate change is leading to increasingly frequent, intense, and prolonged periods of high heat. Companies must consider this risk and exercise extra vigilance to protect their workers. Let's take a closer look at the measures to implement!
What are the challenges of exposure to high heat?
Prolonged exposure to high heat can have serious consequences for workers' health. Indeed, when outdoor temperatures are too high or the environment is too humid, the body's thermoregulation mechanisms can become less effective or overwhelmed.
Among the notable effects are heatstroke, dehydration, and heart rate disorders. The most serious condition is heatstroke, which can lead to death.
According to the National Research and Safety Institute (INRS), there are four levels of severity for heat exposure, characterized by specific effects on the body:
The construction, agricultural, and forestry sectors are particularly affected by heat exposure during the summer, especially when performing strenuous physical tasks. However, all businesses can be impacted during periods of high heat, particularly during heatwaves.
Beyond its direct effects on the body, heat also acts as a risk amplifier for workplace accidents by causing functional impairments (e.g., sweaty hands, impaired vision due to perspiration) as well as psychological and cognitive effects (increased reaction time, higher risk of errors or omissions).
🔎 Focus: In summer 2023, 11 reports of fatal workplace accidents potentially linked to heat were submitted to Santé Publique France. Half of these workplace accidents occurred in the construction sector. 10 occurred during periods of high heat (maximum temperature above 30°C), including 3 during heatwaves (source: Public Health Bulletin, Summer 2023 review).
How to prevent risks for your workers?
In 2021, the Directorate General for Health (DGS) published an ORSEC guide dedicated to measures to be taken during heatwaves across all public and private sectors. Below are the main measures applicable to employers.
Measures to take before a heatwave
It is crucial not to wait for a heatwave to arrive before taking action. In a context where this phenomenon is becoming increasingly common, its occurrence must be anticipated sufficiently in advance to ensure the effectiveness of measures and minimize risks for employees.
The Labor Code does not set a maximum temperature beyond which work would be prohibited. However, risk assessment must consider situations at risk related to periods of high heat. Therefore, the most exposed workstations must be identified, and their risk exposure evaluated in the single document for professional risk assessment (DUERP).
A number of factors must be considered in this assessment:
- factors inherent to the workstation: outdoor or indoor work, duration of exposure, carrying loads, etc.
- factors related 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 before the summer period that relevant technical devices to limit the effects of heat (blinds, ventilation, etc.) are in place and functioning correctly. It should be noted that air renewal is a regulatory obligation in enclosed premises where employees are required to be present (article R4222-1 C. trav.).
ℹ Please note: For businesses most exposed, establishing an internal heatwave management plan may be necessary. If so, a person responsible for its preparation and implementation should be appointed.
Building thermal insulation plays an important role in the summer comfort of workplaces. Therefore, when designing new buildings or undertaking renovations, ensure you prioritize solutions adapted to high temperatures, in accordance with new regulations in force (environmental regulation 2020, tertiary decree).
Measures during a heatwave
From June 1st to September 15th, weather monitoring is intensified for heatwave phenomena. During this period, it is therefore important to regularly check weather forecasts to anticipate the implementation of measures and adapt them once they are in place.
ℹ Please note: The national vigilance map can be consulted on the website https://vigilance.meteofrance.fr. A telephone platform “Canicule Info Service” (Heatwave Info Service) is also available at 0800 06 66 66 for additional information in case of a heatwave.
During a heatwave, employers must take all necessary measures to protect the physical and mental health of their workers. This particularly involves:
- implementing appropriate organization and resources to limit heat exposure: staggered hours, job rotation, more frequent breaks, etc.
- providing employees with fresh, potable water (Article R4225-2 C. trav.) and protective and/or cooling equipment: fans, misting devices, humidifiers, etc.
- allowing employees to adapt their work pace according to the hottest hours and prioritizing teleworking when possible;
- providing enhanced protection measures for employees working in extreme temperature environments, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions;
- ensuring that the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) is compatible with high temperatures;
- monitoring proper air renewal in enclosed premises where personnel are required to stay (Article R4222-1 C. trav.) and regularly monitoring the temperature in the premises;
- reporting any abnormal situation potentially related to heat to the labor inspectorate.
ℹ Please note: According to INRS, a temperature above 28°C for a job requiring physical activity and 30°C for sedentary work should trigger an alert.
Worker involvement is particularly important to ensure the full effectiveness of the measures. It is therefore essential to inform and train them sufficiently in advance on safe behaviors and protection methods in case of high heat, including:
- wearing loose, light-colored clothing;
- hydrating regularly even when not thirsty;
- protecting their skin and eyes from solar radiation (headwear, sunglasses, clothing covering arms and legs, etc.);
- regularly seeking shade;
- avoiding overly intense physical exertion;
- report any unusual symptoms and be aware of colleagues' symptoms;
- etc.
Specific provisions also apply to outdoor workers, including those in construction, who are on the front line during heatwaves. Companies must, in particular:
- arrange workstations so that workers are protected wherever possible (Article R4225-1 of the Labor Code);
- provide a suitable room to accommodate workers under conditions that protect their safety and health. If such a facility is not available, the worksite must be arranged to provide equivalent protection for workers (Article R4534-142-1 of the Labor Code);
- make available to workers at least 3 liters of water per person per day (Article R4534-143 of the Labor Code).
Specific Measures in Case of a “Red Heatwave Alert”
The ORSEC Guide also provides specific instructions for employers in the event of a “red heatwave alert” level.
Therefore, as soon as such an alert level is established, companies must conduct a daily reassessment of the risks faced by each of their employees based on:
- the temperature and how it changes throughout the day;
- the nature of the work to be performed;
- the age and health status of the workers.
Based on the results, work organization and the various measures implemented must be adjusted.
Furthermore, if the risk assessment reveals that the measures are insufficient, especially for work performed at very high temperatures and involving significant physical exertion (for example, roof insulation work or handling heavy loads), the employer must decide to halt the work.
⚠️ Please note: Should the employer fail to comply, the employee can contact the labor inspectorate and the Social and Economic Committee (CSE) if one exists. They can also exercise their right to withdraw if they believe they are in a situation of serious and imminent danger (Article L4131-1 of the Labor Code).
What to do in case of heatstroke in a worker?
If warning signs are detected in a worker (significant fatigue, headaches, intense thirst, confusion, body temperature at 39°C, etc.), it is particularly important to act quickly. Here is the procedure to follow:
1) The first step is to alert emergency services by calling 15 (SAMU) or 112 (emergency call number);
2) Next, if the victim is still conscious: move them to a cool, shaded, and well-ventilated area, remove their clothing, and cool them down (pour cold water over their body, give them small sips of cool water, etc.);
3) if the victim loses consciousness: place them in the recovery position and monitor them while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
Photo credit: 749537867 @amorn