A decree and order dated May 27, 2025 reinforce the measures to be implemented in the event of extreme heat. In view of the increasing number of heatwaves, it is important to be aware of the measures required to protect the health and safety of employees in such situations.
For whom?
Employees working both indoors and outdoors.
From when?
From July1, 2025.
How?
Your obligation is to consult Météo France's alerts on the different levels of vigilance, classified into 4 categories: Meteorological vigilance Heatwave
- "Vigilance verte" : seasonal watch with no special vigilance;
- "Vigilance jaune" : heat peak or persistent heat episode;
- "Vigilance orange": heatwave (period of intense, long-lasting heat);
- "Vigilance rouge" : extreme heatwave.
It is up to you to adapt to Météo France warnings on a daily basis.
What measures are recommended?
In particular, you must:
- Maintain enclosed work areas at a temperature appropriate to the activity and workers' environment;
- Provide at least 3 liters of fresh drinking water per day per worker;
- Adapt the measures taken with regard to workers who are particularly exposed, notably because of their age or state of health;
- Implement prevention and information measures, and adapt work organization, particularly working hours, to reduce exposure to intense heat episodes.
- For outdoor workers, you must provide premises where they can be accommodated in conditions that protect their health and safety; failing this, you must make arrangements for working hours on the site.
Reminder: Employees may exercise their right of withdrawal if they believe they are in a work situation presenting a serious and imminent danger to their life or health.
What formalism and what communication?
Employee information and training: posters, e-mails, daily reminders before work begins: Information material available on the INRS website.
Preventive actions must be integrated into the DUERP (document unique d'évaluation des risques professionnels).
