Working in Hot Weather – A Challenge for Every Industry
Summer heatwaves in Poland are becoming increasingly intense. For millions of employees – whether they are analyzing data in an air-conditioned office, picking orders in a warehouse, or performing installation work outdoors – high temperatures are not just a matter of discomfort, but above all, a real threat to health and safety. In 2026, this topic is generating significant interest, partly due to increased inspections by the National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) and ongoing work on amending health and safety regulations.
In this article, ITcompare experts explain the duties of employers during hot weather in 2026 and the rights of employees depending on their specific workplace.
Employer Duties in 2026: What Do Current Regulations Say?
Although there is much talk in the public sphere about planned revolutionary changes in labor law, it is important to clearly separate the current legal status from proposed regulations. In the summer season of 2026, the existing provisions of the Labor Code and health and safety executive regulations still apply. Here are the key, "hard" obligations of every employer:
1. Free and Unlimited Preventive Drinks
This is the most precise and absolute obligation of the employer. According to the regulations, the employer must provide employees with free cooling drinks (usually water) when the temperature exceeds a certain threshold:
- Above 25°C – for outdoor work,
- Above 28°C – for indoor work (in offices, halls, warehouses).
Importantly, drinks must be available in quantities that satisfy the employees' needs throughout the entire work shift. The regulations explicitly forbid paying a cash equivalent instead of providing water – the employer must deliver it physically.
2. Effective Ventilation and Sun Protection
The employer is obliged to maintain the technical condition of the building and rooms. This means ensuring efficient ventilation or air conditioning and protecting windows and skylights from excessive sunlight (e.g., through roller blinds, venetian blinds, or reflective films).
3. General Care for Safe Working Conditions (HSE)
According to Article 207 of the Labor Code, the employer is responsible for the state of occupational health and safety in the workplace. During extreme heatwaves, this means monitoring conditions and reacting if necessary, for example, by rotating work stations or organizing more frequent breaks.
Employee Rights: When Can You Refuse to Work in Hot Weather?
Many employees wonder if they have the right to simply stop working in extreme temperatures. The key here is Article 210 of the Labor Code. It states that an employee has the right to refrain from performing work if the working conditions do not comply with health and safety regulations and pose an immediate threat to their health or life.
If there is unbearable heat in the office or hall, and the employer does not provide water or ventilation, the employee can report this to their supervisor and refrain from working, while retaining the right to remuneration. However, it is important that this is not an arbitrary decision – the supervisor must be notified immediately.
Specifics of Workplaces: Office, Warehouse, and Outdoors
Working conditions differ drastically depending on the industry. How do regulations and best practices translate into specific work environments?
Office Work (Administration, IT, Services)
In offices, the most common problem is the lack of air conditioning or its improper use (too large a temperature difference compared to the outside environment, which leads to colds).
- Air conditioning: Although regulations do not explicitly mandate the installation of air conditioners, if the temperature in the office exceeds 28°C, the employer must provide drinks. Many companies choose to install air conditioning, treating it as a standard to attract talent.
- Remote work: A good practice on hot days is to allow employees to work from home (Home Office), provided their duties allow for it and they have better thermal conditions at home.
- Shorter working hours: The employer may shorten working hours or introduce additional breaks. Importantly, shortening working hours due to hot weather cannot lead to a reduction in the employee's salary.
Warehouse and Production Work (Logistics, Industry)
Warehouses and production halls are places where heavy physical work is often performed. The heating roofs of large-area facilities can turn them into spaces that are difficult to tolerate.
- Air exchange: Efficient mechanical or gravity ventilation is key.
- Access to drinks: For heavy physical work, simply providing water may be insufficient – a good practice is to provide drinks enriched with electrolytes.
- Work organization: Employers should plan the heaviest physical tasks (e.g., unloading deliveries) for morning or evening hours, avoiding the peak of the heat between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Outdoor Work (Construction, Municipal Services, Transport)
People working in open spaces are most exposed to direct sunlight and heat stroke.
- 25°C threshold: We remind you that outdoors, the obligation to provide drinks is activated already at 25°C.
- Appropriate clothing: The employer should provide breathable workwear protecting against the sun and headwear.
- Shaded areas: Employees should have the opportunity to rest in a shaded, cooler place during breaks.
Upcoming Changes: What Will the Future Bring (2027)?
It is worth keeping your finger on the pulse, as the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy is intensively working on amending health and safety regulations. The draft regulation assumes the introduction of revolutionary changes to take effect in 2027:
- Maximum temperature limit: Indoor work will have to be obligatorily suspended when the temperature exceeds 35°C. For heavy outdoor work, this limit will be 32°C.
- Obligation of technical measures: At a temperature of 28°C (for light/office work) and 25°C (for heavy work), the employer will have to implement temperature-lowering solutions (e.g., air conditioning). If this fails, shortening working hours or providing additional breaks will become an obligation, and not – as before – merely the employer's goodwill.
Summary – What to Look for When Searching for a Job?
Caring for working conditions during extreme weather events is an excellent test of a company's organizational culture. Employers who look after their team's health not only meet minimum legal requirements but also offer modern standards: from air-conditioned workstations and flexible working hours to the option of remote work on the hottest days.
Are you looking for employment in a company that prioritizes the highest health and safety standards and employee comfort? On the ITcompare portal, you will find thousands of verified job offers from various industries – from administration and logistics to modern technologies. Compare offers and find an employer who cares about your comfort all year round!