German authorities have clarified occupational health and safety regulations for employees and students during periods of extreme heat [1].
These guidelines are critical as rising summer temperatures increase health risks for those working in offices, factories, and on construction sites. Ensuring adequate hydration and rest is now a primary focus for employers and school administrators to prevent heat-related illness.
For employees, the legal landscape is distinct from the school system. The Federation of German Industries (BDI) said the term "Hitzefrei," or a heat-induced day off, does not exist in labor law [2]. However, the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) said employers are obligated to provide sufficient drinking water, breaks, and potential adjustments to the workload when temperatures are high [1].
Specific mandates include the provision of at least 1.5 liters of drinking water per workday [1]. When temperatures exceed 30 °C, it is recommended that workers take a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours [2]. While some reports suggest that flexible working hours during extreme heat can practically mirror a day off, there is no statutory right to a paid holiday based solely on temperature [2, 3].
Schools operate under different criteria. In most German federal states, schools may declare a "Hitzefrei" day if the maximum temperature reaches 30 °C in the afternoon [1]. This decision rests with the school administration to ensure the well-being of students and teachers in buildings that often lack modern cooling systems.
These measures apply across all federal states, covering diverse environments from home offices to industrial halls [1, 2]. The goal is to reduce physical strain, fulfill legal obligations regarding workplace safety, and the duty of care for minors [1, 3].
“The labor law does not recognize the term 'Hitzefrei' — but occupational safety requires concrete measures.”
The discrepancy between school closures and employment mandates highlights a systemic gap in German labor law. While students are granted relief via administrative discretion, workers must rely on health and safety guidelines rather than a legal right to time off. This puts the onus on individual employers to implement flexible scheduling to mitigate heat risks.
