HR Heartbeat: Workplace heat protections and National AI watchdog to regulate workplaces

Welcome to HR Heartbeat, where I share my opinion on some of the week’s most pressing HR and employment law stories.

Workplace heat protections under scrutiny as summer temperatures soar

Ireland is facing record-breaking heat in mid-July 2025, prompting Labour’s Teachta Dála (TD) Marie Sherlock to call for legal limits on workplace temperatures, mandatory heat risk assessments, and compensation for employees if worksites close due to extreme heat.

She stated: “While temperatures hitting 30C may feel like a novelty in Ireland, the reality for some workers is far from pleasant — and, in some cases, it may be dangerous.

These temperatures can be particularly difficult for those working in spaces with poor ventilation or lack of air conditioning and for those working outdoors, they may be in the absence of easily available water and shade.”

Though not law yet, with hotter temperatures becoming more common, Sherlock insisted this is not “just a short-term summer issue”. This will be wake-up call for many employers.

While we wait for potential legislation, it’s smart to act now. Consider your duty of care to staff working in hot conditions, whether that’s warehouses, kitchens, or offices without air conditioning. Health & safety software can help you conduct proper risk assessments and document your heat protection measures.

Your staff’s wellbeing should always come first, and proactive planning protects both your people and your business.

National AI watchdog to regulate workplace technology

Fianna Fáil has tabled a bill asking for a new independent National AI Office with a €25 million annual budget to oversee AI usage in sectors like healthcare, welfare, and transport. This would directly impact employers using AI in HR operations.

If you’re using AI for recruitment, performance tracking, or employee monitoring, this matters to you. The proposed watchdog could bring new compliance requirements for AI transparency and fairness.

So remember to make sure you’re documenting your AI usage and decision-making processes now. Our 24/7 HR advice can guide you through the evolving landscape, while our unlimited document storage and performance management tools lets you keep all these new AI policies and procedures organised and accessible.

And that’s a wrap from me. Tune in next time for my take on the latest headlines and employment law stories, helping keep your business ahead!