The mercury has recently risen quite high in a large part of France, making working conditions more difficult.

But are employers required to offer bottled water to their employees?

Lawyer Roland Perez, columnist on Europe 1, examines these questions on Saturday.

France has been suffering from high temperatures for several days, with a thermometer in places exceeding 35 degrees.

In this context, it becomes more difficult for employees to work outside, but also inside.

On Europe 1, Saturday morning, lawyer Roland Perez lists the precautions that employers must take with regard to employees when the temperature is too high in the workplace.

It is the Ministry of Labor which has just sent companies a note reminding them of their obligations in the event of work in very hot weather.

Working outdoors or in stuffy premises can have serious consequences for the health of employees and let's not forget that employers have an obligation to protect the health of their employees.

Three liters of water minimum

They must therefore do everything to prevent the dehydration and exhaustion that can cause extreme heat and more concretely strengthen the barrier gestures to avoid wearing the mask inside, and above all make it available to all employees. easily accessible bottled water sources or drinking water taps. Whenever possible, the company can adapt working hours to, for example, start earlier and finish earlier in order to avoid scorching heat rises at certain times of the day, especially as we can. perfectly know the weather forecast in advance and even the exact temperatures that ahead.

For employees who work outside, the obligations of companies are even more drastic.

Employees must be protected from the sun by equipping them with hats or caps.

We need a rest room that takes into account the climatic conditions and above all put in place a schedule of breaks, for these employees more exposed to the heat than others.

It is at least three liters of fresh drinking water per day and per person that must be made available to them.

"Rescuers at work"

In large companies, one or more employees have been trained in first aid to be given in the event of a colleague feeling unwell.

They are called the "first aid workers at work".

There is also a telephone platform dedicated to heatwaves, "Canicule info service" on 0 800 06 66 66 (free call).

This platform is aimed at anyone worried about hot weather and the consequences on their family or professional life, such as employers, employees, individuals.

Anyone can ask one or more questions about the consequences of hot weather.