{"id":4382,"date":"2026-06-24T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.educa.pro\/?p=4382"},"modified":"2026-06-16T12:56:56","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T12:56:56","slug":"thermal-risks-at-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/educa.pro\/en\/articulos\/riesgo-termico-trabajo\/","title":{"rendered":"Heat-related risks at work: a prevention guide for businesses ahead of summer 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

The thermal risk<\/strong> has become one of the key challenges in the field of occupational risk prevention<\/strong> 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. <\/p>

It\u2019s not just about comfort: the Heat stress can have a direct impact on performance, health and safety <\/strong>of workers, particularly in high-risk sectors. <\/p>

Why heat stress is a growing workplace problem in Spain <\/h2>

The increase in episodes of extreme heat in recent years has had a a direct impact on the workplace. <\/strong>Accident statistics show an increase in incidents related to heatstroke, dehydration and heat exhaustion, particularly in outdoor work and industrial settings. <\/p>

The climatic context<\/strong> 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. <\/p>

Furthermore, regulations and the Labour Inspectorate<\/strong> are placing greater emphasis on this type of risk, demanding clearer and better-documented preventive measures. <\/p>

Legal framework: what the regulations require employers to do in the event of a heatwave <\/h2>

The obligation to protect workers from thermal risks is set out in the Law 31\/1995 on the Prevention of Occupational Risks<\/strong>, which sets out the employer\u2019s general duty to ensure health and safety at work. <\/p>

Added to this is the Royal Decree 486\/1997, <\/strong>recently updated, which regulates environmental conditions in the workplace, including exposure to extreme temperatures. <\/p>

It also incorporates the National Plan for Preventive Measures against Extreme Heat, which sets out recommendations and alerts based on risk levels. <\/p>

Overall, this framework requires companies to assess heat-related risks, implement preventive measures and provide training for workers at risk. <\/p>

What is heat stress and how does it affect performance and safety? <\/h2>

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. <\/p>

Its effects can range from mild symptoms to serious conditions such as heatstroke. <\/p>

The most common symptoms include dizziness, excessive sweating, fatigue, confusion and, in extreme cases, loss of consciousness. <\/p>

The sectors most at risk are construction, manufacturing, the hospitality industry (particularly kitchens), logistics and outdoor work. <\/p>

As well as posing a health risk, heat stress reduces concentration and increases the likelihood of accidents at work. <\/p>

Preventative measures that the company should put in place before the summer <\/h2>

Measures to prevent heat-related risks should be planned before the start of summer, rather than as a one-off response. <\/p>

Thermal risk assessment<\/strong><\/p>

It is essential to identify workplaces exposed to high temperatures and to update the occupational risk assessment to take account of thermal factors. <\/p>

Adjustments to shifts and breaks<\/strong><\/p>

Adjust working hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day, introduce more frequent breaks and reorganise tasks according to the level of exposure. <\/p>

Water supply and rest areas<\/strong><\/p>

Ensure workers are kept hydrated at all times and provide cool or shaded rest areas to aid their recovery. <\/p>

Appropriate protective equipment<\/strong><\/p>

Wearing breathable clothing, using sun protection, wearing helmets or other specific equipment depending on the sector of activity. <\/p>

Signage and risk communication<\/strong><\/p>

Provide clear information on preventive measures, alert levels and protocols for dealing with symptoms of heatstroke. <\/p>

Compulsory training on heat stress: who should receive it and what content it should cover <\/h2>

Training on thermal risk is key to reducing workplace incidents<\/strong> during periods of high temperatures. <\/p>

It should be aimed specifically at: <\/p>