In Poland, employers are obliged to provide safe and proper working conditions for employees during cold periods. The requirements apply both to work indoors and to carrying out duties outdoors. The norms are in effect regardless of the season and weather fluctuations. This is reported by inPoland.
The National Labor Inspectorate of Poland has reminded us of this. Chief Labor Inspector Marcin Staniecki emphasized that adherence to temperature norms is a direct obligation of employers and must be maintained constantly.
Working conditions in winter in Poland: temperature norms
In cold periods, minimum temperature indicators must be maintained at workplaces:
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not lower than 18 °C in offices and rooms with light physical work
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not lower than 14 °C in rooms where heavy physical work is performed
The temperature must correspond to the nature of the tasks and the level of physical load. In case of risk of hypothermia, employees may be provided with additional food and hot drinks, as cold poses a threat to health and life.
Employee rights and restrictions
The inspection notes that if the working conditions do not meet safety requirements and create an immediate danger, the employee has the right to refrain from performing work after notifying the employer. During this time, the right to salary is preserved.
Separate rules apply to vulnerable categories of employees:
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pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are prohibited from performing heavy, dangerous, or harmful work
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minors are prohibited from working at temperatures below 14 °C
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Employers are also obliged to provide special protection for employees working outdoors, even in the absence of frost or snow. Workplaces must be organized to protect against precipitation, wind, cold, and the danger of icicles or snow falling. There should be a heating room, shelter from rain, and a changing area nearby. In particularly difficult conditions, the employer may introduce additional paid breaks.
It should be noted that in 2026, there will be important changes in Poland regarding Ukrainians concerning residence legalization, labor law, medical care, and driver regulations.