Heatwave: Rhône Prefect Reminds Employers of Their New Obligations
Since Tuesday, July 1st, employers have been subject to new obligations in the event of extreme heat.
As the heatwave continues, new regulations aimed at protecting workers in extreme heat come into effect this Tuesday, July 1st. Starting today, companies will have to comply with several provisions depending on the triggering of heat weather alert thresholds. Employers will therefore have to adjust the organization of assigned work and employees' working conditions according to: the temperature, the nature of the work, and the age and health of the workers.
In the event of intense heat, the employer must therefore "adjust the workload and working hours", "review the layout and occupation of the workplace", "allow access to cooled premises", "increase the quantity of drinking water", "provide heat protection equipment" and decide to stop activity if the measures taken are insufficient in light of the climatic conditions. In the event that these measures are not defined or implemented, the company concerned could be served with a formal notice.
The Rhône prefect specifies that "depending on how the climate situation evolves" , the latter "could be required to take the necessary management measures to protect the most vulnerable populations (...) This includes the possibility of temporarily prohibiting the progress of construction sites and major works by means of an order."
Read also: How do heatwave alert levels work in Lyon?
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