Mayor of Galway City, Helen Ogbu, has called on the Government to introduce legally defined maximum workplace temperature limits as Ireland experiences another period of exceptionally hot weather.
Mayor Ogbu said workers across Galway deserve the same legal protections from excessive heat that already exist in many European countries and warned that current health and safety laws have failed to keep pace with a changing climate.
“Staff working in offices without air conditioning, warehouses, kitchens, retail premises, factories and on construction sites can face uncomfortable and even dangerous working conditions when temperatures rise,” Mayor Ogbu said. “Climate change means hotter summers are becoming more common in Ireland. Our laws must reflect that reality.
“At present, Irish legislation sets a minimum workplace temperature but provides no legal maximum. That leaves workers exposed. It is a gap in our health and safety laws that the Government can no longer ignore.
“Only last week, I was in a retail premises in Galway and witnessed a member of staff visibly struggling in the heat. She was sweating profusely, and I was genuinely concerned for her wellbeing. I advised her to take a break and get some water because I was worried about the impact the heat was having on her.
“No worker should be put in that position. We cannot wait until someone collapses or a tragedy occurs before taking action.
“Workers in Galway deserve clear legal protections,” Mayor Ogbu continued. “No one should be expected to work in unsafe temperatures because the law has failed to keep up with changing weather patterns. Employers also deserve clear guidance on when additional measures, such as ventilation, access to drinking water, rest breaks or adjusted working arrangements, should be put in place.
“Other European countries have already recognised the risks. Germany has a normal maximum workplace temperature of 26 degrees, while Spain sets a maximum of 27 degrees for many indoor workplaces. The European Trade Union Confederation has also called for binding maximum workplace temperatures across Europe. Ireland should not be left behind.
“Every worker deserves a safe workplace, regardless of the weather. We have the evidence, we know the risks and we know that temperatures are becoming more extreme. The time for action is now.”
