Severe Weather Events: A Growing Challenge for Workplace Safety Across Europe

Guía actuación fenómenos meteorológicos adversos

Climate change is amplifying the frequency and severity of Severe Weather Events, making workplace safety a critical priority for employers across Europe. The European Commission and EU-OSHA emphasize that managing climate-related risks is now an integral part of occupational health and safety strategies.

In Spain, the Inspección de Trabajo y Seguridad Social (ITSS) has recently issued a guide outlining inspectorate actions related to adverse weather events. Its goal is to help companies strengthen preventive measures and better manage climate-related risks.

Released in September 2025, this update forms part of the Spanish Strategy for Occupational Health and Safety (2023–2027) and is especially relevant given the growing impact of climate change.

You can access the official document through the following link.

What Are Severe Weather Events?

The guide defines an severe weather event as any atmospheric phenomenon capable of causing direct or indirect harm to individuals or significantly disrupting work activities.

Examples include:

  • Excessive ultraviolet radiation
  • Heavy rainfall affecting driving conditions
  • Heatwaves or extreme cold
  • Strong winds or dense fog

Integrating protection against theese events is now a critical element of any occupational health and safety policy.

New Obligations for Companies

One of the key requirements introduced is the need for a specific action protocol for severe weather events, fully integrated into the occupational risk assessment.

This protocol must be activated whenever AEMET issues an orange or red weather alert, as these levels indicate significant health or operational risks.

If existing measures are insufficient to ensure safety, companies are obliged to adjust or reduce working hours. The guide also recommends relying primarily on official information from AEMET or equivalent regional agencies.

How Can MeteoSim Help?

At MeteoSim, we help organizations take a proactive approach to weather risk management. Our advanced alert system ensures timely activation of preventive protocols, minimizing disruptions and ensuring compliance.

Our solution includes:

  • Alerts based on official meteorological sources
  • Customized notifications by location and risk type
  • Multi-channel delivery (SMS, Email, WhatsApp)
  • Tailored messages aligned with your internal protocols
  • Continuous updates as conditions evolve

Stay compliant. Stay safe. Stay ahead.

 

Not sure if this affects you, how it affects you, or how other companies like yours are handling it?

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