The climate disruption intensifies heat waves, putting a strain on French workers. Although some companies have begun to take action, current protective measures often prove to be too limited in the face of increasingly challenging working conditions. Sectors such as agriculture and construction are particularly affected, where excessive heat impacts not only productivity but also the health and safety of employees. The inadequacy of prevention policies poses a major challenge, highlighting the urgency for genuine adaptation to new climatic realities.
In France, with temperatures reaching over 40°C, many workers find themselves on the front lines of heat waves. Among them are construction workers, farmers, and those working in hot environments like industrial workshops. Although some companies are starting to implement preventive measures, such as adjusting working hours or using camel bags for hydration, efforts remain insufficient. Legal obligations for health and safety fall on employers, but the Labor Code does not specifically address extreme heat. The challenge is significant, as risks include dehydration, exhaustion, and even heat stroke, which cannot be ignored. Experts are pushing for a revision of prevention policies, and SNCF, for example, is already adapting some of its working conditions to face this growing threat.
challenges for workers facing heat waves
As temperatures continue to rise, heat waves present a real challenge for French workers, particularly those in construction and agriculture. These professions are already on the front lines facing the effects of climate change. Heat waves are not just uncomfortable; they are also dangerous to health, leading to critical situations like heat strokes. According to a report from France Stratégie, about 3.6 million employees work outdoors in France. This is alarming, as nearly 80% of agricultural and construction workers are exposed to extreme temperatures.
insufficiency of protection measures in companies
Despite the obvious dangers, protections in place within companies remain inadequate. While some companies, like that of Philippe Million, have taken individual initiatives, many others have yet to adapt their health and safety policies. A report from INRS highlights that heat-related workplace accidents are increasing, exacerbated by dehydration and concentration disorders. Current legislation does not directly mention heat, unlike cold, leading to legal ambiguity. Employers do have a general obligation to ensure the safety of their employees. To learn more about the legislation, you can consult this article.
solutions to mitigate the effects of heat waves
To address these challenges, it’s essential to reassess work processes. Adjusting work hours, for example, by starting earlier in the day, can reduce exposure during the hottest hours. In the construction sector, a decree from June 2024 has allowed heat waves to be recognized as a cause for “unforeseen unemployment.” However, this measure remains specific to this sector. INRS recommends “cold” actions, meaning those implemented before heat waves, such as improving ventilation systems and investing in suitable personal protective equipment. It is crucial that all sectors take inspiration from the initiatives already undertaken by some to anticipate more effectively in the future. To delve deeper into the risks, consult this study.
