hothot

Heatwave: the new rules that apply to work starting July 1st

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The Editor

It’s 38°C in the shade, your computer is overheating just like you, and no one wants to stop the meeting? Don't worry! Since July 1, 2025, new rules regulate work during extreme heat. And this time, they aren’t just vague recommendations: employers have clear and legal obligations.

Since July 1, 2025, a new decree (# 2025-482 from May 27) strengthens employer obligations regarding extreme heat. Published in the Official Journal, it requires that at least 3 liters of fresh water be provided per day for each employee, adjustments to work hours, the suspension of certain tasks in case of a red alert, as well as training teams on heat-related risks. Let's break it down, without any sweaty palms.


Minimum 3 liters of fresh water: a new standard

This is the most tangible measure from the new decree: each employer must now provide at least 3 liters of fresh water per employee per day. The water should be readily available nearby, easily accessible, and refreshed as often as necessary. No more lukewarm bottles lingering on the corner of a desk. Work hard, yes. Dehydrate? No way!


Adjusted hours, comfort measures

Adapted Solutions and Materials

When it's really hot, the employer needs to adapt the work organization to avoid any health risks. 

This includes:

- Flexible hours (starting earlier or finishing later)
- More frequent breaks in cool places
- Appropriate equipment (fans, misting systems, light clothing, shading)
- A temporary ban on certain physical tasks during Weather France's red alert (like it is this Tuesday, July 1st)


Mandatory Information on Heat Risks

Another update: employers now have to inform employees about the signs of heat-related discomfort (dizziness, cramps, nausea…). They also need to set up a clear protocol in case of heatstroke or emergencies.


The Right to Withdraw if Heat Becomes Dangerous

If your employer doesn’t follow these rules, and your health is at risk, you can exercise your right to withdraw. This means you can stop working without any penalty, as long as the risk is real and serious. No, it’s not a whim; it’s written in the Labor Code.

The takeaway? Working in temperatures over 40°C is not a given. This summer, let’s protect ourselves, stay hydrated, and don’t hesitate to remind everyone that the law is (for once) on our side.