An estimated 230 workplace deaths a year are linked to heat stress, while the WHO attributes 1,300 excess European deaths to the June heatwave; unions seek mandatory thermal limits of 30–32.5°C on the WBGT scale, above which work would be suspended, along with job-site heat risk assessments and rights to breaks, shade, water, cooling and adjusted hours through a draft Quality Jobs Act directive. The European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions, the European Federation of Public Service Unions and the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers back the push, representing 15 million workers, and the UK TUC separately demands a 30°C maximum working temperature (27°C for strenuous jobs). The union proposal follows a late-June report on whether working in 35°C sun is permitted.
Context
The union proposal follows a late-June report on whether working in 35°C sun is permitted.