Occupational health: a new decree to protect workers from heat risks

Climate change and its caulking episodes pose a real danger to the health of workers, whether they are outdoors (potential, agriculture, logistics, etc.) or indoors in poorly ventilated premises where temperatures can sometimes become critical. A new decree (Decree No. 2025-482 of 27 May 2025), published on 4 June in the Official Gazette and entering into force on 1 July 2025, sets new obligations for employers in the event of intense heat and introduces them, for the first time, into the Labour Code.
This legislation now requires employers to assess and prevent heat risks in a Single Document on Occupational Risk Assessment (DUERP). The measures are proportional to the levels of weather alert (yellow, orange or red) and adapted to the specifics of the posts concerned. The Ministry of Labour points out that this structural reform of prevention aims to shift from one-off management to a logic of anticipation.
Among the concrete actions required for companies are:

• adaptation of working hours: arrangement of working hours to avoid peaks of heat,
• the provision of water points: obligation to provide at least 3 litres of fresh water per day to employees, especially in the absence of a running water point;
• space and post arrangements: shading devices, ventilation, fog, breathable clothing,
• Training and information: awareness of signs of heat stroke (headache, dizziness, cramps), emergency actions and emergency procedures,
• protection of vulnerable persons: special attention is paid to pregnant women, older workers or workers with chronic conditions.

This decree comes into force on 1 July, and employers have little time to review their risk assessment and adapt their practices on the eve of a particularly hot summer.

Legislation