Workplace temperature limits in Poland from 2027: labour law changes for employers

From 11 January 2027, workplace temperature limits in Poland will require employers to act when weather-related temperatures exceed 28°C indoors, or 25°C for specified physically demanding and outdoor work. Above 35°C indoors or 32°C for specified physically demanding outdoor work, the relevant work may not be performed if the excess is caused by weather conditions.

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What workplace temperature limits will apply from 2027?

The Regulation of the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy of 9 July 2026 (Journal of Laws 2026, item 927) introduces two levels of thresholds:

• above 28°C indoors – technical or organisational measures;
• above 25°C indoors for specified high physical exertion – technical or organisational measures;
• above 25°C outdoors – organisational measures;
• above 35°C indoors – work may not be performed if the excess is weather-related;
• above 32°C outdoors – the restriction applies only to specified physically demanding work covered by the regulation.

The lower thresholds apply where energy expenditure exceeds 1,500 kcal (6,280 kJ) for men and 1,000 kcal (4,187 kJ) for women per shift. Duties arise only when the temperature exceeds the threshold.

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When must work stop?

The prohibition applies above 35°C indoors or 32°C for specified physically demanding outdoor work where the temperature is caused by weather conditions. If heat results from a technological process, exceeding those values does not automatically prohibit work where technological considerations make compliance impossible.

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What measures must employers introduce?

Once the lower thresholds are exceeded, employers must use suitable technical measures to reduce or limit temperature, or organisational measures that minimise the impact of heat on employees’ health.

Air conditioning is not mandatory. Possible measures include additional breaks, shorter working hours or reorganising work to reduce duties during the hottest part of the day.

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How must heat-related procedures be agreed?

If an occupational health and safety committee operates at the employer, organisational measures must be consulted with employees through that committee. Under the Polish Labour Code, the committee is required for employers with more than 250 employees.

Without a committee, measures are determined under Article 237^11a of the Polish Labour Code and the employer must obtain the opinion of the preventive healthcare physician. Employees must then be informed.

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Do the new rules replace the duty to provide drinks?

No. Employers are already required to provide drinks, among other cases, for employees working outdoors above 25°C and at workplaces where weather-related temperatures exceed 28°C. From 2027, the same thresholds may trigger both the existing drink requirement and the new occupational health and safety duties.

Before the changes take effect, employers should define temperature monitoring, responsibilities and procedures for 25°C, 28°C, 32°C and 35°C. Exclusions require careful reading: § 30a(8) excludes paragraph 1, not all new obligations.

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If you have any further questions or require additional information, please contact your business relationship person or use the enquiry form on the HLB Poland website.

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