Heat: Regulation and Protection Plans from 2026 Receive Praise

Like construction unionist Josef Muchitsch and Porr CEO Karl-Heinz Strauss, she praised the regulations and particularly emphasized the protection plans that will require employers to implement clear steps for heat protection outdoors in the future.

Law to Take Effect in 2026

The law, which is currently under review, is set to take effect on January 1, 2026. In addition to the protection plans that must be implemented at a certain heat warning level from GeoSphere Austria (30 to 34 degrees), mandatory equipment of cranes with air conditioning and the provision of protective clothing for construction workers are also planned, as reported.

The new regulation, which covers not only construction but also outdoor work in general, focuses primarily on the specific field of activity and the severity of the stress, emphasized the politician. There will be transition periods for the conversion in construction. However, the length of the period is currently not yet foreseeable, said Schumann, who described her own regulation as a "milestone."

Joy for Muchitsch

A mandatory heat-free regulation in construction at a certain temperature, as demanded by the construction union (GBH) in the past, will not come with the regulation. Nevertheless, FSG leader and SPÖ parliamentarian Muchitsch was pleased that the issue of heat, given the increasing number of tropical days, has "finally arrived in politics." The aim now is to implement the measures as best as possible. In parallel, he wants to work with the industry on further steps - a particular concern for him is the working hours or the start and end of construction on particularly hot days.

There was praise for the domestic construction company Porr, which has been exemplary in implementing protective measures for years, according to Schumann and Muchitsch in unison. Group CEO Strauss explicitly welcomed the measures, even though he is fundamentally "not a fan of regulations," as he noted. He wants to actively participate in the review process to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy and make the regulations practical. However, the related discussion with the social partners is already "extremely fruitful."

While the Chamber of Labor (AK) welcomed the regulation and the associated improvements in working conditions, the FPÖ voiced criticism. They see the "red celebration" of the measures in light of the "massive wave of stress," which the SPÖ, as part of the government, is partly responsible for, as "sheer mockery." That protective measures such as sunscreen and headgear are necessary when working on hot days is common sense for both employees and businesses.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.