In Poland, in extreme weather conditions, employers are not allowed to force employees to work if it threatens their health or life. In winter 2026, when in some regions the temperature dropped below -20°C, this issue became particularly relevant for many sectors. This is reported by InPoland.
Temperature at work in Poland: legislative norms
Work at low temperatures is regulated by the Labor Code of Poland and occupational safety rules. They require the employer to provide safe conditions and access to heat during the performance of duties.
The minimum allowable temperatures are as follows:
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for light and office work - not lower than 18°C indoors
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for heavy physical work - not lower than 14°C in production workshops, warehouses, and other workplaces
If the temperature drops below these figures, the employer violates the law. In cases where it is impossible to meet the standards for technical reasons, such as in cold chambers, employees must be provided with special rooms for heating.
The right not to go to work in Poland: when it is allowed
According to articles 210 and 211 of the Labor Code, an employee has the right to refuse to perform work if there is a justified threat to their life or health, and reporting to the responsible person did not yield results.
Lawyers explain that such situations include work at low temperatures when the employer does not comply with established norms. In this case, the employee cannot be held liable for disciplinary actions.
In addition, employers are required to:
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provide hot drinks when working outdoors at temperatures below 10°C
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provide hot drinks in rooms with reduced temperatures
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provide additional food for employees working in difficult and hazardous conditions
If you are interested in working in Poland, we recommend checking out 350,000 job vacancies on the Layboard portal.
Let us remind you that Poland announced an increase in the minimum wage starting January 1, 2026, which will affect about 3 million workers.