New Limits for Minimum Temperatures in the Workplace
For any foreign business operating in the Czech Republic, understanding the specific rules governing the work environment is fundamental. The primary legislation that defines your obligations for workplace temperature and other microclimatic conditions is Government Decree No. 361/2007 Sb. (Nařízení vlády č. 361/2007 Sb.), which establishes the conditions for health protection at work.
Key takeaways
Why is workplace temperature so important?
A key concept under Czech legislation is cold stress. This technical term refers to a situation where the body's thermal balance is disrupted, leading to its cooling. For an objective assessment, not only the air temperature is measured, but also the so-called operative temperature, which also takes into account the temperature of surrounding surfaces.
The temporary temperature reduction has ended. What limits apply now?
In response to the energy crisis, a temporary reduction of minimum temperatures by 2 °C for office and light manual work was introduced in October 2022. However, this temporary adjustment ended on 1 July 2024, and the temperature limits have returned to their original, stricter values.
To correctly determine the limit, it is essential to classify the work into the correct class based on physical exertion. The more physically demanding the work, the lower the minimum permitted temperature.
Class I (sedentary work, office): minimum temperature 20 °C
Class IIa (light manual work, cashiers): minimum temperature 18 °C
Class IIb (standing work, shop assistants, drivers): minimum temperature 14 °C
Class IIIa and higher (heavier manual work): minimum temperature 10 °C
The lawyers at ARROWS can help you with the correct classification of employees into individual classes and with drafting internal guidelines that will ensure compliance with the applicable legislation. For an immediate solution to your situation, write to us at consultation@arws.cz.
What obligations arise when temperatures drop?
If the workplace temperature falls below the set limits or the nature of the work requires it (e.g., outdoor work in winter), the employer has a number of specific obligations. Neglecting them is a common reason for fines being imposed.
When the temperature drops below 10 °C, you must provide employees with warm work clothing. If the temperature drops even further, below 4 °C, you must also provide work gloves, footwear protecting against the cold, and also warm protective drinks in the amount of at least 0.5 litres per shift.Furthermore, it is necessary to introduce safety breaks. For example, at temperatures between 4 °C and -10 °C, continuous work must not last longer than 2 hours and must be followed by at least a 10-minute break in a warming room.
ARROWS will prepare all the documentation for you that will protect you from sanctions by inspection authorities. Contact us at consultation@arws.cz and get a tailor-made legal solution.
Risks and Sanctions | How ARROWS Helps |
Employee health problems and sick leave | Drafting internal guidelines – We will set clear rules for you for working in the cold and protect the health of your team. |
Reduced work productivity and team dissatisfaction | Expert training for management and employees – We will explain the rights and obligations to you and your people in an understandable way. |
Labour law disputes with employees | Legal consultations and risk prevention – We will audit your workplaces and propose measures to prevent unnecessary disputes. |
Who inspects temperature compliance and what are the potential fines?
Compliance with the rules is primarily inspected by the State Labour Inspection Office (SÚIP) and the locally competent regional public health authorities (KHS). These authorities can conduct measurements directly at the workplace and, if deficiencies are found, initiate administrative proceedings.
A breach of obligations in the area of microclimatic conditions is considered an administrative offence. Fines can reach up to CZK 2,000,000, especially if it is proven that the employer endangered the health of employees. Even a seemingly minor offence, such as failing to provide protective drinks, can be penalised with a fine of up to CZK 1,000,000.
Our Prague-based lawyers at ARROWS have extensive experience in representing clients during inspections and in administrative proceedings. Thanks to our expertise and long-term practice with more than 150 joint-stock companies and 250 limited liability companies, we can effectively protect your interests.
Risks and Sanctions | How ARROWS Helps |
Fine from the labour inspectorate or public health authority | Representation before administrative authorities – We will handle communication with the authorities for you and professionally represent you throughout the entire proceedings. |
Order to suspend operations until a remedy is made | Preparation of documents and appeals – We will help you quickly prepare all necessary documentation and challenge unlawful decisions. |
Damage to the company's reputation | Legal opinions and crisis communication – We will provide you with a legal analysis of the situation and help you set up the right communication strategy. |
Conclusion: Do not underestimate prevention
Correctly setting workplace temperatures is a complex issue that requires knowledge of current legislation and consistency in its application. Prevention in the form of well-drafted internal regulations and trained employees is always cheaper and more effective than dealing with the consequences in the form of fines and litigation.
The ARROWS team is ready to provide you with comprehensive legal services in the field of labour law and OHS. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. For comprehensive legal advice and protection for your business, contact us at consultation@arws.cz.
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Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only and serves as a basic guide to the issue as of 2026. Although we strive for maximum accuracy, laws and their interpretation evolve over time. We are ARROWS Law Firm, a member of the Czech Bar Association (our supervisory authority), and for the maximum security of our clients, we are insured for professional liability with a limit of CZK 350,000,000. To verify the current wording of the regulations and their application to your specific situation, it is necessary to contact ARROWS Law Firm directly (consultation@arws.cz). We are not liable for any damages arising from the independent use of the information in this article without prior individual legal consultation.