Amid the intensification of extreme weather phenomena, labor inspectors have launched targeted inspections to verify compliance with mandatory protection measures for workers performing tasks in high-temperature conditions. According to Emergency Ordinance No. 99/2000, employers are required to implement immediate and clear measures to preserve the health of employees exposed to heatwaves.
Firstly, employers must provide between 2 and 4 liters of mineral water per shift for each worker, appropriate personal protective equipment, and, where possible, access to showers. In cases where medical issues arise, first aid must be administered, and the worker must be transported to the nearest healthcare facility.
For employees with medical conditions that contraindicate work in extreme heat, employers must adapt their work schedules: by reducing working hours, staggering shifts, or temporarily reassigning them to other tasks. In critical situations, collective work stoppage may be decided, while maintaining employment contracts and employee tenure. In such cases, the employer must also determine how the lost working time will be compensated and how wages will be handled.
Failure to comply with these obligations constitutes a violation and is punishable with a fine ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 lei, according to Article 10, paragraph (1) of Emergency Ordinance No. 99/2000. Thus, prevention is no longer just a matter of moral responsibility but also a legal requirement with direct consequences for business continuity and worker safety.