Working and Studying in the Summer Heat

Summer heat can significantly reduce productivity at work and while studying and, in the worst case—if cooling measures are not taken in time—can lead to health problems.

Since there is a wealth of information on working in summer heat from a wide variety of sources, here is a brief summary of the most important rules, the resulting measures, and practical tips from an occupational health and safety perspective.

In meteorology, a day is considered a “summer day” when the daily high reaches 25°C. A day is considered a “hot day” when the temperature reaches 30°C or higher, and this temperature is already classified as “heat.” Heat warnings are issued by the German Weather Service only when temperatures exceed 32°C (Level 1), provided this occurs on at least two consecutive days and there is no nighttime cooling (tropical night, where the temperature does not fall below 20°C between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.). Level 2 applies when the heat index exceeds 38°C. Further information from the German Weather Service can be found here on the German Weather Service website.

For workplaces, however, an outdoor temperature above 26 °C is relevant.

What applies to indoor spaces?

The Workplace Guidelines (ASR) specify the legal requirements of the Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) and describe how workplaces should be designed to be safe, healthy, and ergonomic. The goal of these guidelines is to prevent workplace accidents and protect employees’ health in the long term. In Appendix 3.5, the ASR specifically sets minimum and maximum temperatures for workplaces and recommends appropriate measures to be taken when these temperatures are reached.

What should be considered when working outdoors?

Unlike indoor work, there are no fixed upper temperature limits for outdoor work. In such cases, technical, organizational, and personal measures must be defined and implemented in accordance with the risk assessment to prevent health hazards caused by heat and UV exposure. DGUV Information 203-085, “Working in the Sun,” provides relevant guidance on this topic.
 

The Rhineland-Palatinate Accident Insurance Fund, which is responsible for the RPTU, offers a dedicated page on the topic “When Summer Heat Becomes a Risk of Accident.” Among other things, you’ll find the Work-from-Home Guide there, which provides tips for working from home in hot weather.

The RPTU’s Occupational Safety and Health Department recommends the following measures to protect your health and maintain your well-being during the heat waves of summer 2026:

Organize your work schedule flexibly and, in accordance with the flex-time policy, start work in the early morning hours.

Start outdoor work early in the morning and avoid working after 11 a.m. to minimize exposure to UV radiation and elevated ozone levels. Whenever possible, move work to shaded areas. If this is not possible, necessary work may need to be postponed to a later time.

Ventilate early in the morning, as temperatures rise significantly starting around 10 a.m. on warm summer days. If possible, set ventilation controls to allow for effective nighttime cooling.

Keep sunshades permanently closed after morning ventilation.

Use fans for cooling.

Make sure to stay adequately hydrated by drinking regularly.

Turn off any devices that are not in use to reduce the number of heat sources (e.g., printers, lights, etc.).

Regularly cool both wrists with cold water.

Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing and shoes that allow air and moisture to pass through (protective clothing is excluded from this).

Opt for light meals and avoid heavy, hearty foods.

Feel free to ask any questions.