New Heat Rules: Workers May Get Time Off in Poland

12 July 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Poland introduced new heat at work rules setting hard temperature limits for suspending work, effective 11 Jan 2027.

The government signed a regulation that sets hard temperature limits for workplaces, and the new heat at work rules will require employers to stop work at certain thresholds. Moreover, the minister responsible for labour safety published the new rules to address rising heat risks.

Table of Contents

What the new heat at work rules set

The regulation creates two clear thresholds. First, it requires employers to stop indoor work when room temperatures reach 35°C. Second, it requires a stop for heavy outdoor tasks at 32°C. In addition, the rules force steps at lower temperatures. Specifically, employers must act when it reaches 25–28°C. Consequently, businesses must adopt technical and organisational measures before reaching extreme limits.

When the changes actually take effect

The minister signed the change on 9 July 2026, and the law published in the Journal of Laws. However, the regulation enters force six months after publication. Therefore, the rules will apply from 11 January 2027. Employers now have time to plan cooling systems and rosters. Meanwhile, this summer will not benefit from the new temperature ceilings.

Practical impacts and exceptions

Many outdoor workers may see real change next year. For example, construction crews, warehouse staff, and couriers will gain legal protections. However, the law lists exceptions for essential services. Consequently, the police, emergency services, medical staff, and critical infrastructure teams can continue work despite high temperatures. Moreover, inspectors will judge necessity for continuity and public safety.

Enforcement and current protections

The National Labour Inspectorate (Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy) already inspects workplaces during heat waves. Furthermore, inspectors check access to drinking water and shaded rest areas. In addition, current labour law article 210 allows workers to stop work if conditions threaten health or life. Therefore, you can already refuse dangerous work and still receive pay, after notifying your supervisor. However, the law does not define a fixed temperature today, and disputes can arise about whether heat endangers a worker.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat, document unsafe conditions now. Keep photos, timestamps and emails. Moreover, seek a medical note from a GP if you suffer heat illness; the doctor can issue a sick note for ZUS (social security) and NFZ (public health fund) records. In addition, you can report violations to Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy. Note that PESEL is your national ID number for many official steps. Finally, a “mandat” means a fine; labour inspectors can propose penalties to employers.

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