From November 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027, employers must provide a free hot meal to selected employees - pit.pl reminds about the regulations. This applies to people performing heavy physical work outdoors, if during one shift the energy expenditure exceeds 1,500 kcal for men and 1,000 kcal for women. The key here is the actual load on the body, not just the workplace or position itself.
In practice, this means that free meals may be granted to, among others: construction workers, road workers and people performing earthworks. However, not everyone employed in these positions will automatically receive a free lunch - the actual scope of activities performed and the level of physical effort are important.
The decision to grant meals should be made by the employer in consultation with the trade union or - failing that - after consultation with employee representatives.
The weather doesn't matter. Here's when a free meal is just right
The right to a free meal does not depend on the outside temperature or on the occurrence of frost or snow. If working outdoors requires significant physical exertion between November 1 and March 31, the employer is obliged to provide an adequate meal - even when the weather is mild.
Moreover, this obligation is not limited only to the winter months. It can be used all year round by people whose energy expenditure exceeds 2,000 kcal (men) or 1,100 kcal (women) during one shift, as well as by employees working underground, removing the effects of natural disasters or in special microclimatic conditions.
This can't be an ordinary soup. The recipes clearly state what should be on the plate
The regulations clearly specify that a preventive meal is one hot dish with an energy value of approximately 1,000 kcal. It should be properly balanced:
Carbohydrates: 50-55 percent energy value
Fats: 30–35 percent
Proteins: 15 percent
Therefore, a light snack or a small portion of soup is not enough - the meal must be nutritious enough to compensate for the effort put into work. Most often, it is issued during a statutory break, usually 3-4 hours after the start of the shift.
It is worth emphasizing that the meal is only available on days when the employee actually performs work that justifies its issuance.
Cash equivalent? Forget it, the law doesn't allow it
The employer cannot pay the equivalent of the meal in cash. The regulations clearly prohibit such a solution. However, if serving hot meals is impossible for organizational reasons, employees may be provided with products to prepare their own meals or vouchers, vouchers or coupons enabling the purchase of appropriate food.
It is important that such solutions are used only in justified cases and serve to fulfill the obligation arising from health and safety regulations.
Not just food. In winter, the boss has to take care of something else
In addition to meals, employers are also obliged to provide drinks - especially when working outdoors, when the temperature drops below 10 degrees C or exceeds 25 degrees C. At low temperatures, drinks should be hot, e.g. tea, and available throughout the working time, in an amount that meets the needs of employees.
The right to drinks does not depend on energy expenditure, so it is also available to people performing light work outdoors.
Will the company forget about lunch for the employee? The fines run into the tens of thousands
An employer who fails to provide eligible employees with preventive meals risks serious consequences. Violation of occupational health and safety regulations may result in a fine of PLN 1,000. up to 30 thousand zlotys. Control in this respect is carried out by the National Labor Inspectorate, to which an employee may submit a complaint in the event of non-compliance with the regulations by the company.
