The thermal risk has become one of the key challenges in the field of occupational risk prevention in Spain. Rising extreme temperatures, more frequent heatwaves and the direct impact on workplace accidents are forcing companies to rethink their safety protocols ahead of the summer of 2026.
It’s not just about comfort: the Heat stress can have a direct impact on performance, health and safety of workers, particularly in high-risk sectors.
Why heat stress is a growing workplace problem in Spain
The increase in episodes of extreme heat in recent years has had a a direct impact on the workplace. Accident statistics show an increase in incidents related to heatstroke, dehydration and heat exhaustion, particularly in outdoor work and industrial settings.
The climatic context The current situation has made summer a critical period for occupational risk prevention, to the extent that 2026 forms part of the enhanced occupational health and safety strategies.
Furthermore, regulations and the Labour Inspectorate are placing greater emphasis on this type of risk, demanding clearer and better-documented preventive measures.
Legal framework: what the regulations require employers to do in the event of a heatwave
The obligation to protect workers from thermal risks is set out in the Law 31/1995 on the Prevention of Occupational Risks, which sets out the employer’s general duty to ensure health and safety at work.
Added to this is the Royal Decree 486/1997, recently updated, which regulates environmental conditions in the workplace, including exposure to extreme temperatures.
It also incorporates the National Plan for Preventive Measures against Extreme Heat, which sets out recommendations and alerts based on risk levels.
Overall, this framework requires companies to assess heat-related risks, implement preventive measures and provide training for workers at risk.
What is heat stress and how does it affect performance and safety?
Heat stress occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature properly due to exposure to excessive heat, high humidity or intense physical exertion.
Its effects can range from mild symptoms to serious conditions such as heatstroke.
The most common symptoms include dizziness, excessive sweating, fatigue, confusion and, in extreme cases, loss of consciousness.
The sectors most at risk are construction, manufacturing, the hospitality industry (particularly kitchens), logistics and outdoor work.
As well as posing a health risk, heat stress reduces concentration and increases the likelihood of accidents at work.
Preventative measures that the company should put in place before the summer
Measures to prevent heat-related risks should be planned before the start of summer, rather than as a one-off response.
Thermal risk assessment
It is essential to identify workplaces exposed to high temperatures and to update the occupational risk assessment to take account of thermal factors.
Adjustments to shifts and breaks
Adjust working hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day, introduce more frequent breaks and reorganise tasks according to the level of exposure.
Water supply and rest areas
Ensure workers are kept hydrated at all times and provide cool or shaded rest areas to aid their recovery.
Appropriate protective equipment
Wearing breathable clothing, using sun protection, wearing helmets or other specific equipment depending on the sector of activity.
Signage and risk communication
Provide clear information on preventive measures, alert levels and protocols for dealing with symptoms of heatstroke.
Compulsory training on heat stress: who should receive it and what content it should cover
Training on thermal risk is key to reducing workplace incidents during periods of high temperatures.
It should be aimed specifically at:
- Workers directly exposed to heat
- Middle managers who organise shifts and tasks
- Prevention and supervision officers
The minimum content includes:
- Identifying symptoms of heat stress
- What to do in the event of heatstroke
- Preventive measures in the workplace
- The importance of hydration and taking breaks
- Emergency procedures
In addition, annual drills or refresher sessions are recommended before the summer season to reinforce the response to critical situations.
Checklist: Is your business ready for summer 2026?
Before the hot weather sets in, companies should be able to confirm the following points:
- Has the risk assessment been updated to include heat stress?
- Have the most at-risk roles been identified?
- Are there clear protocols for dealing with heatwaves?
- Have the workers received specific training?
- Have working hours and breaks been adjusted during critical periods?
- Is there a guarantee of adequate hydration and rest areas?
Having this plan in place not only reduces the risk of accidents, but rather improves the team’s productivity and well-being during the busiest months of the year.
Through Educa.Pro, companies can accessoccupational health and safety training programmestailored to thermal risks and other environmental factors, ensuring regulatory compliance and the effective protection of workers.
