Cold at work: What you need to consider between saving energy and shivering
Created: 09/21/2022, 07:30
By: Carina Blumenroth
Everyone has to save energy - this could also affect the temperature in the office.
(Iconic image) © Antonio Guillem/Imago
Autumn temperatures, high energy costs and limited resources result in cold jobs?
Maybe – you should reckon with these temperatures.
Temperatures are dropping slowly but significantly.
Autumn is approaching and with it the coming heating season is getting closer and closer.
A first heating season with increased costs and scarce resources is imminent.
The energy flat rate of 300 euros has landed in the accounts of many employees these days.
Nevertheless, many people are once again thinking about when to turn on the heating in their private lives, and energy is also being saved at work.
In public buildings and offices, the office space is only heated to 19 degrees.
Here you can find out what you should consider and why you shouldn't just use "Kältefrei".
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Cold at work: Saving by regulation
On September 1st, an Energy Saving Ordinance was put into effect – the correct name of this is “Ordinance for securing the energy supply through short-term effective measures” (EnSikuMaV).
The federal cabinet passed the ordinance, which is valid until February 28, 2023. For example, temperature specifications for public buildings are discussed – but also recommendations for action for private companies.
One degree colder with predominantly sedentary work at the workplace
task | Temperature in degrees Celsius |
|---|---|
light, mainly sedentary work | 19 |
Light, mainly standing or walking activity | 18 |
medium-heavy, mainly standing or walking activity | 16 |
heavy activity | 12 |
According to
NTV
, an emergency plan by the European Commission provides for this temperature limit to also apply in non-public, commercial premises, but this has not yet been decided.
It also depends on the actual energy consumption and temperatures in the coming weeks and months.
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Cold at work: Workplace Ordinance has so far provided orientation
The workplace ordinance and the associated specific workplace guidelines provide orientation for the air temperatures in work rooms.
These depend on the difficulty of the work and the operating space.
Activity/Space | Temperature in degrees Celsius |
|---|---|
Light activity while sitting, work space | 20 |
moderate activity while standing | 17 |
heavy physical activity | 12 |
Break, standby, lying, sanitary and first-aid rooms | 21 |
Washrooms with showers or bathtubs | 24 |
This happens when the temperatures in the rooms get colder
If the temperatures at the workplace become colder than the lower limits specified in the workplace directive, the employer must take countermeasures.
These can vary, for example the employer can install suitable radiators or provide clothing.
However, additional “warm-up times” are also conceivable.
If there is a works council in your company, it is best to contact them first if you have any questions or comments.
The works council has a say in whether the measures taken are appropriate.
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“Cold-free” at the workplace will probably not exist
You should not simply stop working despite the cold – this applies until there is a health risk.
But be careful: you have to prove that the temperature is dangerous to your health.
If you come to this decision, it is advisable that you discuss it with the works council or a lawyer.
Be sure to protect yourself, otherwise you risk a warning or termination.
