The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) has called for increased occupational safety measures during periods of extreme heat. According to DGB Chairwoman Yasmin Fahimi, further inaction is not an option. Speaking to the Rheinische Post, she warned that more hot days each year translate into greater health strain for employees and a higher risk of workplace accidents. This danger is particularly acute for individuals who work outdoors, are under time pressure, or perform physically demanding labor, citing nurses, parcel delivery workers, and emergency responders as examples.
Fahimi urged the federal government not to remain passive, demanding that it establish regulations providing financial compensation for employees when they are unable to work due to extreme heat.
Simultaneously, Fahimi stressed that employers also bear a significant responsibility in preparedness. She emphasized that prevention, which must be permanently integrated into company occupational safety standards, cannot be an optional measure-it is a requirement. She added that the most effective remedies emerge when employees are actively involved through their works councils or staff committees, since they are the subject matter experts for their own work environments and know precisely which actions are most practical.
These heat waves are becoming stronger and more probable due to global warming, an effect that will continue to intensify as long as greenhouse gases-such as those released by burning coal, oil, and gas-are added to the atmosphere.
