Temperature in the Workplace – How to Ensure Optimal Conditions for Employees
In such conditions, the key question becomes how employers can provide suitable working conditions and mitigate the negative effects of heat on workers’ health. Legislation clearly defines the permissible temperature limits in the workplace. It is essential that employers take preventive measures and adapt the work environment to ensure safe and healthy working conditions despite extreme weather.
Temperature Conditions in the Workplace: How to Ensure a Safe and Healthy Environment
In any work setting, temperature plays a crucial role in employees’ health, well-being, and productivity. While ergonomics, safety measures, and protective equipment often receive the most attention, the impact of temperature on work efficiency and comfort should not be overlooked.
The Rules on Requirements for Ensuring the Safety and Health of Workers at Workplaces outline the employer's obligation to provide air temperatures in workspaces that align with the physiological needs of workers, depending on the nature of their work (excluding cold storage areas, where specific cold work criteria apply).
Slovenian law clearly states that air temperature in workspaces must not exceed +28 °C, except in so-called hot work environments, where higher temperatures are permitted under specific conditions. These key standards are defined in the Health and Safety at Work Act (ZAkon o varnosti in zdravju pri delu - ZVZD-1) and the relevant regulations. In addition to temperature limits for workspaces, employers must ensure that auxiliary rooms, corridors, and stairways connected to hot work environments do not exceed +20 °C.
Why Is Temperature Monitoring Important?
High temperatures can lead to fatigue, decreased concentration, and an increased risk of workplace accidents. Conversely, excessively low temperatures can negatively affect productivity and cause health issues such as colds or joint pain.
Every employer must assess heat-related risks in their Occupational Health and Safety Statement with Risk Assessment and define measures to reduce the negative impact of temperature conditions on workers’ safety and health. This document includes measures for mitigating weather-related risks and serves as a basis for organizing work processes, adapting workspaces, and implementing additional protective measures in extreme weather.
Violations and Their Frequency
Between 2020 and June 2025, a total of 1,176 violations of the first paragraph of Article 19 of ZVZD-1 were recorded. This article mandates the employer’s duty to ensure a safe working environment in line with the risk assessment. While most of these violations relate to inadequate work equipment and general safety conditions, some are directly associated with temperature conditions.
How Can Employers Improve Working Conditions?
To ensure a safe and comfortable work environment, employers can implement the following measures:
- Regular inspection and maintenance of air conditioning and heating systems.
- Provision of appropriate work clothing and protective equipment for extreme conditions.
- Organizing breaks in air-conditioned areas or providing additional rest periods during high temperatures.
- Conducting regular temperature measurements in workplaces and adjusting work conditions accordingly.
- Educating employees about the importance of hydration and adapting work pace to weather conditions.
With careful planning and timely action, employers can create optimal working conditions for their employees, minimizing the risk of health issues and workplace accidents.
