THERE have been calls for legally defined max temperature rules and protection for employees as the mercury rises to a sweltering 32C this weekend.
Met Eireann has placed 14 counties under an 18-hour Status Yellow high temperature warning today and issued the same alert for the entire country tomorrow.
Temperatures will reach highs of 32C this weekend[/caption]
Labour’s Health Spokesperson Marie Sherlock warned that workplace heat poses potential health risks.
A status high temperature alert has been issued today for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon and Tipperary.
Deputy Sherlock has called for the introduction of legally defined maximum temperature limits for workplaces.
And she warned that workers must not be left out of pocket if their workplace closes early due to the risk posed by extreme weather.
She said: “Climate change is increasingly exposing workers across the world to occupational heat stress. Ireland is not immune to this.
“While temperatures hitting 30C may feel like a novelty in Ireland, the reality for some workers is far from pleasant — and, in some cases, it may be dangerous.
“These temperatures can be particularly difficult for those working in spaces with poor ventilation or lack of air conditioning and for those working outdoors, they may be in the absence of easily available water and shade.”
Deputy Sherlock insisted that rising temperatures are not “just a short-term summer issue”.
She explained: “Climate change is altering weather patterns in Ireland.
“We are more likely to see prolonged heatwaves and temperature warnings becoming a regular feature of working life. That must be met with a proper legal response.”
The Labour TD echoed the European Trade Union Confederation’s call for a Directive to establish binding maximum working temperatures, alongside mandatory heat risk assessments.
She said: “Ireland cannot afford to be left behind on this. In Germany, a workplace has a normal maximum temperature of 26C. In Spain, a maximum temperature is set at 27C for work spaces.
“We also support clear legal definitions of heat stress, the development of workplace heat management plans in cooperation with trade unions, and increased resourcing of labour inspections to ensure compliance.”
Now facing higher summer temperatures due to climate change, she warned that action must be taken to protect workers’ health and safety.
WAGE COMPENSATION CALL
Sherlock continued: “Critically, employers must be compelled to assess risks based on temperature, humidity, and airflow, and consider vulnerabilities including age, pregnancy, migrant status, and precarious working conditions.
“Government must also explore financial supports such as wage compensation for workers impacted by work stoppages due to heat. That’s about basic fairness.
“In advance of any legislation being enacted, our appeal is to employers to do the right thing, put protections in place for workers and ensure no worker is out of pocket for workplaces being closed early.”
A status yellow high temperature warning is in place for the entire country tomorrow and Sunday.
Sherlock added: “We have the evidence, we have the warnings, and now we need the legislation.
“Maximum temperature limits must be introduced in law for all workplaces.
“We need comprehensive legislation to prevent occupational heat stress, ensure fair and safe working conditions, and enforce employer responsibilities — especially for the most vulnerable workers.”
