Austria is known for good workers' rights, and one of those rights also relates to extreme heat during the summer months. Since very high temperatures are forecast for the next two weeks, we checked which rules apply on construction sites or, as our people affectionately call them – “bauštelas”.

According to the Chamber of Labour, outdoor work on construction sites may be stopped if the temperature exceeds 32.5°C and if a cooler alternative workplace cannot be provided. This is decided by the employer or their representative. If there is no alternative, workers receive the so-called bad weather compensation (Schlecht­wetter­ent­schädig­ung).

The BUAK criteria (Construction Workers’ Holiday and Severance Pay Fund) for bad weather compensation are:

Hours during which 32.5°C is exceeded.

Three consecutive hours with more than 32.5°C result in bad weather (Schlechtwetter) until the end of the day.

For lost working hours due to this heat, bad weather compensation is granted (the so-called “sixties”) – Schlecht­wetter­entschädigung (sog. „Sechziger“).

Source: kroativ.at