What is changing?
The regulation of the Minister of Family, Labor and Social Policy from July 9, 2026 (Journal of Laws 2026, item 927) introduces for the first time specific temperature thresholds at which the employer must take certain actions – up to and including stopping work.
The regulation comes into effect on January 11, 2027 – that is, before the summer season of 2027.
New temperature thresholds
| Temperature | Where | Employer's obligation |
|---|---|---|
| 28°C | Indoors | Cool the workplace or reorganize work (more frequent breaks, change of hours, rotation) |
| 30°C | Outdoors (light/moderate work) | Provide a shaded rest area, breaks every hour, water, electrolytes |
| 32°C | Outdoors (heavy physical work) | STOP WORK – halt heavy outdoor work |
| 35°C | Indoors | STOP WORK – halt all work indoors |
Key threshold: 28°C – take action
At 28°C indoors, the employer must take specific steps. They choose one of two paths:
- Cool – air conditioning, fans, curtains, films
- Reorganize – change working hours to cooler times, introduce breaks, rotate positions
The 28°C rule applies to all industries – there are no exceptions.
Which industries are exempt from the 32°C and 35°C thresholds?
The regulation provides exemptions from the obligation to stop work for four sectors:
- Agriculture
- Transport
- Gastronomy
- Hospitality
Penalties for employers
| Type of penalty | Amount | Who imposes it |
|---|---|---|
| PIP fine (on-site) | up to 5,000 PLN | Labor inspector |
| Court fine (first violation) | up to 30,000 PLN | Court |
| Court fine (repeat violation) | up to 60,000 PLN | Court |
| Court fine (multiple/gross) | up to 90,000 PLN | Court |
Obligations that apply NOW (regardless of the regulation)
Even before the regulation comes into effect, the employer has existing obligations:
- Water – at 28°C indoors or 25°C outdoors, the employer must provide cold drinks (§ 4 sec. 1 of the regulation from September 26, 1997)
- General OHS – Article 207 of the Labor Code: the employer is responsible for safe working conditions
- Right to refuse – Article 210 of the Labor Code: an employee can refuse to work if conditions threaten health
What temperatures were recorded in summer 2026?
Context: in July and August 2026, many regions of Poland recorded temperatures above 35°C. If the new regulations had already been in effect, employers across the country would have had to stop work indoors on the hottest days.
Checklist for employers (by January 11, 2027)
- Install thermometers at workstations – you need documented measurements
- Develop a heat procedure – who measures, who decides to stop, how to inform employees
- Check air conditioning – whether it exists, works, and has sufficient capacity
- Prepare a plan B – changed working hours, rotation, shaded rest areas
- Train staff – managers must know the thresholds and procedures
- Stock up – water, electrolytes, portable fans
What can an employee do when it is too hot?
- Report to the employer – preferably in writing or via email (you then have proof)
- Refuse to work – if conditions threaten health (Article 210 of the Labor Code); you cannot be punished for this
- Report to PIP – National Labor Inspectorate: pip.gov.pl, phone: 801 002 006
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