According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, the government is working “with high pressure” on a regulation for the protection of people against heat in the workplace.
It is about a “own protection scheme for employees who work outside, not heat -free”, ÖVP, Spö and Neos literally write in the government program. “The regulation is not yet finished”, so a spokeswoman for Minister Korinna Schumann (Spö) did not want to say anything about the concrete content. There are still conversations with social partners going, “much is still to be coordinated and also to think internally”. But one is “preparing”.
Employees are not mentioned in the current heat protection plan
In short, it is about “correct heat protection for people – concrete, clear, understandable rules for heat protection, especially outdoors”. Labor Act must be observed. Given the increasing and extension of heat waves, the subject is on everyone’s lips. However, employees are not explicitly mentioned in the National Heat Protection Plan. Hitzerstress emphasizes blood circulation, the concentration can fall, the risk of accidents can increase.
Special regulations in the construction sector
There is special regulations for the construction sector. This allows companies to release employees from 32.5 degrees. There is no obligation – of course, not all employers use the option. If there is a heat-free, both employees and the providers are entitled to reimbursement of the Bad Weather Funds of the Buak (holiday and handling fund of the construction worker), which they also fill together.
Expert: Start and Siesta as opportunities in the past and Siesta
Hans-Peter Hutter from the Medical University of Vienna had said on Monday in ORF radio Ö1 on the announced regulation: “You must not forget that you reorganize that some professional groups can start very early.” A Siesta is also a possibility. However, childcare should also be considered if the employees would start their work much earlier.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
