Starting July 1, 2025, new labor regulations aimed at protecting workers from excessive heat will come into effect in France. The measures were announced in a decree by the Ministry of Labor, published in the government’s official journal.
The new rules strengthen employers’ responsibilities in mitigating heat-related risks in the workplace. Specifically, they introduce amendments to the French Labor Code, requiring companies to implement specific measures during periods of extreme heat.
Key provisions include the obligation to adjust work schedules, suspend physically demanding tasks during the hottest hours of the day, and revise the organization of work breaks. Workplaces must also be equipped to reduce exposure to sunlight and heat buildup, using shading devices, ventilation, or cooling systems.
Additionally, employers will be required to provide access to drinking water and appropriate protective equipment, depending on the nature of the job being performed.
