Working in the heat on construction sites: What you should know
- Aug 6
- 2 min read
Austria is currently not just experiencing a few hot summer days, but already its third exceptional heatwave this year. At the beginning of August, new temperature records were measured on two consecutive days: first, Vienna reached 41.0 °C, setting a new nationwide record for Austria. Shortly afterwards, GeoSphere Austria reported as much as 41.2 °C in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg. This means the national temperature record was surpassed again within a very short time.
For people who work outdoors, heat is becoming a recurring safety risk – especially on construction sites. What matters is not only what the thermometer shows; several forms of strain come together: physical work, direct sunlight, reflective surfaces, little shade and heated-up work areas. UV radiation also plays an important role. It is invisible and therefore often underestimated. Reflective surfaces such as metal, glass or concrete can further intensify UV radiation. Anyone working under these conditions needs more than endurance: it takes planning, protective measures and awareness within the team.
What companies need to consider when working in heat
Since 1 January 2026, the Heat Protection Regulation - or Hitzeschutzverordnung in German - has been in force in Austria. It applies to employees who work outdoors – including workers on construction sites and external workplaces. Its aim is to better protect people from the dangers of heat and natural UV radiation. Employers must identify and assess risks caused by heat and UV radiation and define suitable protective measures. The Labour Inspectorate provides checklists, an information sheet and a sample risk assessment for construction sites on its website. The measures should be adapted according to the heat warning level and the actual temperatures.
What helps when working in the heat?
Protection from heat does not begin only when someone starts feeling dizzy. It is important to plan work in advance and reduce exposure. This includes scheduling heavy tasks for cooler times of the day wherever possible, using or creating shade, allowing regular breaks and providing enough drinking water. Appropriate clothing and sun protection also play an important role. For outdoor work, the Chamber of Labour Carinthia lists shaded workplaces, information about health risks, UV-protective clothing, suitable head protection, sunglasses with side protection and sunscreen as possible protective measures.
Good to know
In construction, there is an additional special regulation as part of the bad weather scheme. The Austrian Economic Chamber explains that the BUAK bad weather criteria set a threshold of 32.5 °C for heat. The relevant value is the shade measurement from the nearest weather station.
Important: This does not automatically mean that every employee has an individual right to stop working once temperatures reach 32.5 °C. According to ÖGB outdoor construction work can be stopped from 32.5 °C onwards; however, the decision currently lies with the employer.
Safety requires planning
Heat on construction sites is more than just a summer issue. It affects health, concentration and safety on site. Taking signs of heat stress seriously, allowing breaks and implementing protective measures not only protects individual workers, but also the entire workflow. Especially on hot days, working safely also means recognizing strain early.
Read more:
