Jan van Aken, chairman of the Left party, is proposing a series of measures to mitigate the impact of high temperatures on workers. His action paper, titled “Heat protection is occupational safety – act now,” calls for adjustments to working conditions when temperatures exceed 26 degrees Celsius.

Van Aken told the RND that “The climate crisis has long since been a social crisis – if you work under the science or sitting in the overheated office, you often pay for your own health.” He argues that productivity and well-being suffer when individuals are forced to work in excessively hot environments. He stated that nobody can “work concentrated and effectively in the office at thirty degrees and more in the office”. According to Van Aken, heat exposure can lead to various health issues, whether the work is performed in an office or involves strenuous physical activity outdoors.

Proposed Workplace Regulations

The Left party is urging the government to implement these measures by July 2025. The proposals include stricter workplace regulations,specifically:

• At temperatures above 26 degrees celsius:
  • Ten minutes of additional break time per hour.
  • The right to sufficient water and sun protection.
  • The right to work from home.
  • A 25 percent reduction in full-time working hours.
• At temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius:
  • A 50 percent reduction in working hours.
  • A ten-minute break every half hour.
  • The provision of fans in the workplace.

“The climate crisis has long as been a social crisis – if you work under the science or sitting in the overheated office, you frequently enough pay for your own health.”

Van Aken also advocates for free sunscreen dispensers at beaches and more water dispensers in cities to help the public cope with rising temperatures.

Understanding Heat Stress and Mitigation