Can I leave work due to the heatwave?

On days of high temperatures, what does the law say about working conditions?  

With the high temperatures that have been felt in Portugal, the question arises for workers who have to travel to their workplace: is it possible for them to be absent during the heatwave?

According to Notícias ao Minuto, Portuguese legislation does not provide specific rights during a heatwave, but establishes rules regarding temperatures.

Not being on vacation, current weather conditions can disadvantage certain jobs. For example, countries like China have specific rules for employees not needing to work during these types of weather conditions.

In Portugal, there is no specific legislation, but there are rules regarding the work atmosphere that establish that "workers' health and well-being must be ensured".

The Official Gazette establishes that workplaces and their common facilities must contain means that allow for natural and permanent air renewal, avoiding the creation of uncomfortable or harmful drafts for workers. It also states that the temperature in the workplace should ideally range between 18°C and 22°C, and the humidity levels should vary between 50% and 70% in the working environment.

In addition, the document also explains that "whenever natural ventilation does not result in a working atmosphere as described in the previous paragraphs, artificial ventilation and heating or cooling systems should be considered."  

About workers who perform tasks outside, it is the General Regulation of Health and Safety at Work in Commercial, Office, and Service Establishments, advocating that "workers who perform tasks outside buildings must be protected against inclement weather and excessive sun exposure", and also that "protection must be ensured, depending on the cases, by shelters or the use of appropriate clothing and other individual protection devices".

According to the law, you should also know that if you are subjected to very high temperatures due to working conditions, "appropriate corrective measures should be adopted or, in exceptional situations, breaks may be provided during working hours or the duration may be reduced."

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