Paulina Szewioła: Hot regulations, another government 'gift' for business

Polish entrepreneurs are expressing shock and disappointment following the government's sudden publication of new regulations concerning maximum workplace temperatures. The amended decree, which will take effect in six months, aims to protect employees during extreme heat, a goal generally seen as positive. However, the practical implementation and the legislative process have left businesses feeling blindsided.

Three versions of the proposed changes have been presented since late 2024, leading businesses to believe a standard legislative process was underway where their input would be considered. The unexpected publication in the Journal of Laws, however, has created uncertainty. Business owners highlighted that ensuring adequate temperatures in many production facilities, warehouses, and industrial halls often requires multi-million euro investments in ventilation modernization, electrical system upgrades, building renovations, and new cooling systems. These are not changes that can be completed within a six-month window.

Many entrepreneurs stressed that they do not wish to ignore the problem of heat in the workplace and are already investing in improving conditions. They are requesting predictability in the law and a sufficient transition period to gradually adapt their infrastructure. The current situation, they argue, creates a source of conflict between the government and businesses, especially when the relationship is already strained. The article concludes that effective regulations must be ambitious yet feasible, avoiding surprises that hinder implementation and instead fostering a collaborative approach to workplace safety.