Heat limits at work: Warsaw adopts new rules

2 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

New Polish regulation sets clear temperature limits for work. The heatwave work rules take effect 11 Jan 2027 and protect outdoor and indoor workers.

On 9 July 2026 Minister Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk signed a regulation that sets clear temperature limits for stopping work. The new heatwave work rules set indoor and outdoor thresholds and will take effect on 11 January 2027.

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heatwave work rules: thresholds and practical changes

The regulation appears in the Dziennik Ustaw on 10 July 2026. It establishes maximum temperatures that force a temporary stop to work. Specifically, the government fixed 35°C indoors and 32°C outdoors as the top thresholds. Moreover, for heavy indoor labour the protective threshold is 25°C. In addition, standard office tasks have a lower action trigger at 28°C.

Consequently, employers must act before temperatures hit the limits. They must use technical and organisational measures. For example, they can switch on air conditioning, provide extra breaks, shorten shifts, or shift work to cooler hours. However, if none of these steps lower the temperature below the legal maximums, employers must stop the activity. The government excluded some categories from the rule. For instance, it does not apply to certain uniformed services.

Timeline, inspections and what changes now

The regulation becomes binding on 11 January 2027. However, employers already face obligations under the Polish Labour Code. Therefore, a company cannot ignore heat now. The Code requires safe and hygienic working conditions. In addition, inspectors from the Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy checked workplaces during the late June heatwave. Consequently, authorities ask inspectors to continue monitoring access to water, rest facilities, and cooling measures.

Historically, officials first proposed these rules in 2024. Originally, employers had less time to adjust. However, the ministry extended the transition period after consultations. Therefore, firms now have about six extra months to make investments. This extension matters for Warsaw employers in older buildings. Many office blocks lack modern cooling systems. As a result, businesses need to plan upgrades or change shift patterns before next summer.

What workers and expats should do now

If you work in a non-air-conditioned office or on a construction site, start by asking your employer for water and breaks. In addition, document conditions with time-stamped temperature notes. Moreover, check whether your workplace has written heat procedures. If your employer ignores problems, file a complaint with the regional labour inspectorate. The Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy accepts written and electronic reports. Therefore, collect evidence before you submit a claim.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat, mention your PESEL only when necessary. PESEL is Poland’s national ID number. Explain your rights in English if needed. Also, know basic institutions. ZUS is the social security office. NFZ funds public healthcare. Finally, a failure to follow safety rules can lead to a mandat, or fine, for the employer. Therefore, keep records of temperatures and communications with HR or management.

The new rules give clearer numeric thresholds than before. However, employers must act already under the Labour Code. Consequently, both workers and managers should prepare practical steps now. Moreover, the city will likely see more inspections during heat episodes. Therefore, workers should know how to report risks and where to find help.

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