The Ministry of Labor announced on Friday that a targeted audit plan has been put in place to address risks linked to exposure to high temperatures. The focus areas for the labor authorities are farming, construction, and hospitality, where the danger of sun exposure, burns, heat stroke, and related conditions is higher due to the nature of the work. Penalties for companies failing to meet occupational risk prevention regulations range from €2,451 to €983,736 for the most serious violations.
Labor inspectors are already integrating heat risk checks into their standard inspection routines. The emphasis grows during summer when elevated temperatures drive up the likelihood of accidents tied to heat. In 2021, there were 7,038 reported burn incidents and 234 other claims connected to extreme temperatures, light, and radiation. Together, these cases included five fatalities. This data, gathered by the Ministry of Labor, underpins the current push to intensify supervision amid the heatwave. The second vice president, Yolanda Díaz, has signaled a strengthening of oversight in this area.
A common instrument in these enforcement efforts is a mass outreach campaign that reminds employers of their duty to prevent heat-related risks. Concrete measures will see 115,000 notices mailed to accommodation operators, waste collection services, and other outdoor businesses that fall under the Ministry’s scope but may not be explicitly named in guidelines.
The inspection teams typically review several key points: the length of the workday to ensure hours do not exceed agreed limits, and the scheduling of regular breaks and hydration breaks. They also verify the provision and proper use of personal protective equipment, including hats, protective creams, and appropriate work clothing, along with other protective measures tailored to the specific work environment.