The decree and order of 27 May 2025 introduce new prevention obligations for employers.
In response to increasingly frequent episodes of intense heat, the Labour Code is being amended to better protect employees.
From 1 July 2025, employers will be required to assess the risks associated with heat (both indoors and outdoors) and implement concrete preventive measures.
Here is a summary of the new regulations.
1. Definition of ‘extreme heat event’
An extreme heat event corresponds to the attainment of yellow, orange or red alert levels (in accordance with the Météo France nomenclature).
As soon as the weather report announces an extreme heat event in the department where the workplace is located, the employer must implement specific measures to protect employees.
2. New measures to be implemented
In the event of a heatwave (from the yellow alert threshold), employers must implement the measures set out in the decree of 27 May 2025, namely :
- Adapt the organisation of work to limit the duration and intensity of exposure (e.g. change working hours to avoid exposure to heat);
- Provide 3 litres of fresh drinking water per day per employee and provide a means of keeping water cool near workstations;
- Use work processes that do not require exposure to heat;
- Modify the layout and arrangement of workplaces and workstations;
- Provide protective equipment to reduce heat (e.g. sunshades, fans, misters, etc.);
- Adapt work equipment to maintain a stable body temperature;
- Inform staff about what to do in the event of high temperatures and how to use work equipment and personal protective equipment correctly in order to reduce their exposure.
Point to note : Employers must update their Single Document for the Assessment of Occupational Risks (DUERP) to include the new risk of high temperatures.
A formal notice may now be issued by the labour inspectorate to define measures or actions to prevent occupational risks related to exposure to intense heat. The minimum deadline for compliance is 8 days.
3. Details concerning ‘bad weather unemployment’ for the construction industry
Although a decree dated 30 June 2024 included heat waves in the list of weather conditions that may give rise to entitlement to bad weather unemployment benefits, this concept has now been clearly defined.
Compensation for work stoppages in the construction industry is available in the event of ‘heatwave periods’, i.e. when the orange or red alert threshold is reached.
An orange or red weather alert must be issued by Météo France in order to qualify for the scheme.
The social services department at RUFF & ASSOCIÉS is at your disposal to help your company comply with this new regulation.
This article was written in June 2025 by the Social Services Department
