Posted by GoodCooling Team on 07/10/2026

Heat at the Workplace: What the Heat Protection Ordinance Means for Businesses

Since 1 January 2026, Austria has had, for the first time, a dedicated ordinance on protection from heat at work (Hitzeschutzverordnung). Many businesses are asking whether and how they are affected. This article summarises the most important points based on the official information. It is not a substitute for legal advice. For your specific case, please contact the Labour Inspectorate (Arbeitsinspektion), the AUVA or your representative body.

Who does the ordinance apply to?

According to the Business Service Portal (Unternehmensserviceportal), the ordinance applies to work outdoors: in outdoor workplaces, on construction sites and at off-site workplaces. Agriculture and forestry have their own ordinance. For purely indoor spaces, the text, according to the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, makes no clear provision. Regardless of this, employers must in principle assess hazards at the workplace, including heat in halls and offices.

When do the obligations apply?

In the event of a heat warning from GeoSphere Austria of level 2 or higher
or at a perceived temperature of 30 degrees or more

What must employers do?

Identify and assess hazards from heat and UV radiation
Define protective measures and implement them when a heat warning is issued
Take special measures, for example drinking water, sun protection and cooling of break areas in containers
Inform and instruct employees, including offering a voluntary medical examination
From 1 June 2027: cooled cabins on outdoor work equipment, air-conditioned cabins on self-propelled work equipment

The STOP principle

The measures are ranked by effectiveness:

S for substitution: avoid the hazard
T for technical measures: for example shading, cooling or showers
O for organisational measures: for example relocating tasks or adjusting working hours
P for personal measures: for example light clothing, head and neck protection, UV protection

Where does cooling play a role?

Technical measures rank high in the STOP principle. Depending on the situation, this includes cooling of break rooms, containers and workshops. An evaporative air cooler can lower the perceived temperature there, especially in well-ventilated areas and in dry heat. However, it replaces neither the risk assessment nor the other measures such as drinking water, breaks and protective clothing. And it is not proof that an obligation has been met. You will find more on use in businesses in our article on hall cooling. A further perspective is offered by the article Heat Protection Ordinance 2026 in Austria.

Checklist for your business

Identify outdoor work and assess heat hazards
Monitor heat warnings from GeoSphere Austria
Organise drinking water, shade and break arrangements
Check break rooms and containers to see whether cooling is needed
Instruct employees and document it
Use the Labour Inspectorate's sample risk assessments and checklists

Frequently asked questions

Does the Heat Protection Ordinance also apply to offices?

According to the published information, it is aimed at work outdoors. For indoor spaces, the general duties to protect employees apply. What this looks like in an individual case is clarified by the Labour Inspectorate.

Is an evaporative air cooler enough to meet the obligations?

No. It can support a technical measure, but does not replace the assessment and the other steps required.

Where can I get support?

The AUVA advises on implementation, and the Labour Inspectorate provides sample risk assessments and checklists.

Conclusion

The Heat Protection Ordinance obliges businesses to take a structured approach, above all for work outdoors. Cooling is one building block among several. If you would like to know how break rooms, workshops or halls can be effectively relieved, we are happy to advise you. Our page on the Heat Protection Ordinance summarises further information.

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