Single Document of Occupational Risks Assessment – New update Obligations and Heatwave Risk Prevention
Effective July 1, 2025
Dear Clients,
In response to the increasing frequency of intense heatwaves and pursuant to Decree No. 2025-482 dated May 27, 2025, employers are now required to include heat-related risks in the Single Document of Occupational Risk Assessment (“DUERP”). This measure aims to better protect the health and safety of employees exposed to high temperature working conditions.
Key Points to Remember:
- Mandatory assessment of risks related to intense heat episodes, with a trigger threshold: “intense heat” alert for both indoors and outdoors. The alert levels are defined by the specific system drawn up by “Météo-France” (France’s official meteorological and climatological service):
‘Green vigilance’ corresponds to a seasonal watch with no particular vigilance,
‘Yellow vigilance’ corresponds to a heat peak,
‘Orange vigilance’ corresponds to a period of heatwave,
‘Red vigilance’ corresponds to a period of extreme heat.
- Update of the DUERP to document these risks and define appropriate prevention measures, in consultation with employee representatives and occupational health services.
- Preventive measures to implement adjusting work schedules, providing access to fresh drinking water (at least 3 liters per day per person if no running water is available), cooling equipment, and adapting working conditions.
- Enhanced obligation of results: employers must ensure the safety of workers against dehydration, heatstroke, fainting, and heat-related workplace accidents.
- Increased inspections by labour authorities, with possible formal warnings in case of non-compliance.
We encourage you to anticipate these new requirements to ensure the safety of your teams throughout the summer period.
For any questions or support in updating your DUERP, please do not hesitate to contact us.
For customers with a DUERP in progress, the assessment of this risk will be included in the DUERP.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.