France has addressed this issue, introducing specific obligations defined by Decree No. 2025-482 of 27 May 2025 on 1 July 2025. This decree lists a series of measures that employers must take to combat periods of intense heat.
In Monaco, there is currently no specific legislation governing this issue.
Employers are therefore not subject to any specific obligations – apart from the general safety obligation – except in exceptional cases, which are subject to specific exceptional measures.
Here are some points to bear in mind to avoid heatstroke…
A Perrier, perhaps?
Since 1948, employers have been required to provide their staff with fresh drinking water in accordance with the conditions defined by ministerial decree.
In special circumstances identified by ministerial decree, particularly resulting from drought or high temperatures, employers may also be required to provide at least one non-alcoholic hot or cold beverage, the terms and conditions of which are defined by regulation.
Hot stuff!
According to Sovereign Ordinance No. 9.071 of 28 January 2022, the Minister of State may take all necessary measures to prevent the effects or reduce the harmful consequences of weather events that could pose a risk to the safety of persons and property in the event of heat waves and/or periods of extreme heat.
It is in these exceptional circumstances that employers may be required to implement specific measures to anticipate the specific risks associated with heatwave periods.
Therefore, it is the employer's responsibility to monitor any ministerial decrees issued under the law, which may impose temporary obligations on them or require them to take exceptional measures, such as restricting activities or closing establishments.
Any shadow areas that need to be clarified?
Even if there are no specific obligations on employers, they may decide to implement simple, common-sense measures to improve working conditions, maintain productivity and prevent tempers from flaring.
