European unions push for heat-break laws after 230 estimated annual workplace deaths

European trade unions are pressing for new laws to protect workers from deadly heat stress, linked to an estimated 230 workplace deaths annually across the continent. This year's toll could be far higher — the WHO has already attributed 1,300 excess deaths to June's heatwave, with some estimates reaching 20,000. Unions are calling for workplace temperature limits, legal rights to heat breaks and adjusted working hours during extreme heat events.

More on this topic

🏥 Health WHO: European heatwave linked to over 1,300 deaths, 85% aged 65 or above The Independent World · 26d ago 🔬 Science WHO warns wildfires in Europe up 57% in four years Euronews · 1d ago 🔬 Science Europe drought: record heat, not lack of rain, is the real threat to soils Rzeczpospolita · 1d ago

More on this topic

🏥 Health WHO: European heatwave linked to over 1,300 deaths, 85% aged 65 or above The Independent World · 26d ago 🔬 Science WHO warns wildfires in Europe up 57% in four years Euronews · 1d ago 🔬 Science Europe drought: record heat, not lack of rain, is the real threat to soils Rzeczpospolita · 1d ago