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.
During the recent heat wave temperatures of 32.1 degrees were recorded at Athenry weather station, the highest reported in the country.
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.”
“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.”
She said that no worked should be put in a position where the heat puts their health in danger, and that we cannot wait for a tragedy to occur before acting.
Employers should also receive guidance on when to employ measures such as ventilation, access to drinking water, rest breaks or adjusted working arrangements, she added.
“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.”
