Inspección de Trabajo denuncia incumplimientos en seguridad térmica en centros educativos públicos valencianos

• The Labor Inspectorate found that out of 17 inspected schools in Alicante, only three had initial risk assessments, and none had the legally required thermal stress evaluations.
• The Generalitat Valenciana is in violation of Article 16 of Law 31/1995 on occupational risk prevention.
• The administration has been ordered to conduct risk assessments within four months and ensure environmental conditions meet legal standards by the 2026-2027 school year.

Investigation Findings

• CGT filed complaints regarding thermal stress affecting both staff and students in public education centers.
• The Labor Inspectorate ruled that the protocols provided by the Generalitat were insufficient as a diagnosis of the existing risks and ineffective for ensuring safety.
• The administration attempted to shift responsibility to the Valencian Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (INVASSAT), though the Inspectorate reiterated that the Generalitat remains the primary employer responsible for safety compliance.

Consequences and Requirements

• The lack of initial risk assessments has led to inefficient, reactive spending on climate control measures that fail to address the root of the problem.
• Mandatory requirements imposed by the Labor Inspectorate:
  • Complete a full initial risk assessment and a specific thermal stress assessment for all centers within a 4-month deadline.
  • Guarantee that all school facilities comply with the minimum environmental conditions established by Royal Decree 486/1997 by the start of the 2026-2027 academic year.
• The CGT union criticized the administration for requiring legal intervention to prioritize the health and safety of students and public education workers.