Employer obligations in the event of a heatwave: what the law says in 2026

May 28, 2026

Each summer, with the intensification of heatwaves in France, the issue of protecting employees from heat becomes an absolute priority for employers. But what exactly does the law say? What are your obligations? And how can you comply without spending weeks on it?

What the Labor Code Says

Article R4225-1 of the Labor Code is explicit: "The employer shall take, after consulting the occupational physician, all necessary measures to ensure the health and safety protection of workers exposed to particular climatic conditions."

Concretely, during a heatwave (Météo France orange or red alert level), the employer must:

Provide a sufficient quantity of fresh, potable water
Adjust working hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day
Organize regular breaks in cool areas
Provide heat protection equipment
Increase medical monitoring of the most exposed workers

Risks in Case of Non-Compliance

An employer who has not taken adequate measures and whose employee suffers from heatstroke is exposed to:

Gross negligence recognized by the courts, leading to increased compensation
Criminal prosecution for endangering the lives of others
Administrative fines from the Labor Inspectorate
Immediate cessation of work or activity

Since the 2003 heatwave (more than 15,000 deaths in France), case law has been unequivocal: employer inaction is a clear fault.

Most Exposed Sectors

Certain sectors are particularly concerned by these obligations:

Nursing homes and retirement homes: elderly residents are most vulnerable to heat
Warehouses and logistics: temperatures can exceed 45°C without adequate ventilation
Construction and building sites: direct sun exposure during peak hours
Catering: professional kitchens reach 50–60°C in summer
Offices without air conditioning: old buildings converted into open spaces

Concrete and Quick Solutions to Implement

The good news: there are light, economical, and immediately deployable solutions to protect your teams:

1. Rechargeable USB neck fans

Portable, silent, usable everywhere — perfect for employees on the go, on construction sites, or in warehouses. An individual piece of equipment per employee is the most flexible solution.

2. Mini desk air conditioners

For fixed workstations (cash registers, desks, reception), a mini air conditioner per workstation provides effective local cooling without requiring a fixed installation.