Work: Number of sick days due to heat increases

The number of sick days due to heat-related illnesses is rising. In 2023, it reached approximately 92,700—around 11,300 days, or twelve percent, more than the previous peak in 2018. This is according to the Ministry of Social Affairs' response to an inquiry from Left Party member of the Bundestag Cem Ince, which was made available to the German Press Agency.

The data recorded included days of work absence due to heatstroke, sunstroke, heat exhaustion, and similar diagnoses. Statistics provided by the ministry show that these sick days fluctuate from year to year depending on the temperature. For example, the number of days absent due to heat was just under 32,400 in 2021, compared to more than 71,000 the following year. Overall, however, the curve has been pointing upwards since 2015.

Left Party politician Ince called the figures alarming. "It's high time the federal government took action," he said. "Heat injuries in the workplace can be prevented. Employers must protect their employees." A reform of the Workplace Ordinance and a requirement for specific heat protection measures are necessary. If necessary, there must be a right to reduced working hours with full compensation, Ince demanded.

Summer has just begun, and the first strong heat wave is already upon us: almost 40 degrees Celsius are expected on Wednesday, after which it will cool down again.

In response to his question, the Ministry of Social Affairs stated that the revision of the relevant rules was "part of the current work program" of the responsible committee within the ministry. No target date was specified.

Men are much more likely than women to be affected by the effects of heat in the workplace. In 2023, men had 63,145 days of absence due to this. For women, the number was less than half, at 29,577. Men are more likely to work in physically demanding outdoor jobs, such as road construction or housing construction.

The Green parliamentary group in the Bundestag is proposing a heat-related holiday for employees: In a draft resolution from the parliamentary group's executive committee, which was made available to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND), it states: "We want employers to be required to take measures to protect the health of employees when temperatures reach 26 degrees Celsius in the workplace." This could include adjusted working hours, longer and paid breaks, and sun protection – but also fans or the provision of free drinks. "If employers fail to adequately fulfill this obligation to protect employees from heat, employees must have the right to heat-related holidays. This is required by health protection, and we want to enshrine this individual right in law," the paper states, according to the RND.