1. European Union – New Push for Heat Stress Legislation
The most significant development has come from Europe, where trade unions and Members of the European Parliament are increasing pressure on the European Commission to introduce legally binding workplace heat protections as part of the forthcoming Quality Jobs Act.
What’s being proposed?
Rather than relying on ambient air temperature, proposals are centred on Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which provides a more accurate measure of heat stress by considering:
- Air temperature
- Humidity
- Solar radiation
- Air movement
The draft proposals include:
- Mandatory heat risk assessments.
- Employer duties to provide drinking water and shaded rest areas.
- Additional rest breaks.
- Adjusted working hours during extreme heat.
- Suspension of work above specified WBGT thresholds depending on workload.
- Enforcement powers and penalties for non-compliance.
Why this matters?
If adopted, this would represent one of the most significant changes to European workplace health legislation in many years.
Unlike fixed temperature limits, WBGT acknowledges that 35°C in dry conditions presents a different physiological risk to 35°C with high humidity, making it a far more practical regulatory tool.
Global implications
Even organisations outside Europe should pay attention.
Multinational organisations frequently adopt the highest regulatory standard across all operations rather than maintaining different regional standards.
I would not be surprised if Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and parts of North America eventually consider similar approaches.
2. United Kingdom – Heat Risk Moving Up the Regulatory Agenda
Although no new legislation has been introduced, recent HSE messaging and wider policy discussions indicate that workplace heat is becoming an increasing regulatory priority.
Current developments include:
- renewed HSE guidance reminding employers that heat is a foreseeable workplace hazard;
- continued calls from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) for maximum workplace temperatures; and
- recommendations from the Climate Change Committee encouraging stronger protections against heat exposure.
Practical impact
Businesses should not wait for legislation before reviewing:
- heat stress risk assessments;
- hydration arrangements;
- work scheduling;
- rest facilities;
- emergency response to heat illness.
This is particularly relevant for:
- Construction
- Warehousing
- Manufacturing
- Utilities
- Agriculture
- Emergency services
3. Great Britain – Latest Workplace Fatality Statistics Published
While not a legislative amendment, the HSE published its latest annual workplace fatality statistics on 1 July 2026, reporting 126 worker fatalities in Great Britain during 2025/26.
Although the publication itself does not change legal duties, these statistics often influence:
- inspection priorities;
- enforcement campaigns;
- future guidance;
- consultation topics.
Historically, areas experiencing persistent fatality trends receive increased regulatory attention.
Why organisations should care
Expect continued HSE focus on:
- falls from height;
- vehicle movements;
- construction;
- agriculture;
- manufacturing;
- workplace transport.
4. European Focus on Climate Adaptation and Worker Protection
Another emerging trend is that workplace safety is increasingly being discussed alongside climate adaptation rather than solely occupational health.
The conversation is expanding beyond:
“How do we protect workers today?”
towards
“How do organisations continue operating safely in a changing climate?”
This includes discussion around:
- heat resilience;
- emergency planning;
- infrastructure;
- work scheduling;
- occupational health surveillance.
This represents a noticeable shift in regulatory thinking.
5. Increasing Focus on Psychosocial and Organisational Risk
Although there have been no major legislative announcements during the past nine days, regulators continue to reinforce expectations around:
- psychosocial hazards;
- work-related stress;
- organisational culture;
- leadership.
This remains an area where many jurisdictions—including Australia and the UK—are moving from guidance towards stronger enforcement under existing legal duties.
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