Polish rules require employers to provide drinks under certain working conditions. Here is a general guide to where to find them.
Under the Polish Labor Code and the regulation on preventive meals and drinks, employers must provide drinks under certain conditions, such as high or low temperatures. The rules define when the duty applies and set general requirements for the drinks. Confirm the details in the current text of the acts or with a health and safety specialist.
When the duty applies
The regulation lists, among other things, work at stations where the temperature caused by weather exceeds 28°C, outdoor work at temperatures below 10°C or above 25°C, and work in a hot or cold microclimate or involving heavy physical effort. The full conditions are in § 4 of the regulation.
How to organize it
- A water dispenser or a stock of bottled water.
- Hot drinks for work in low temperatures.
- Access close to workstations.
- Clear information for the team on where drinks are.
Self-service devices
Drink machines can make organization easier, but mandatory drinks must be free for employees – compliance has to be assessed separately. General information on options is in the vending machine guides (publisher's site).
FAQ
Must the drinks be free? Yes – where the duty arises, the employer provides drinks free of charge (Article 232 of the Labor Code). Drinks from a paid vending machine do not fulfill this duty.
Is this article legal advice? No. It is a general overview.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Regulations change – check the current rules or consult a lawyer before deciding.
Basis: Article 232 of the Polish Labor Code (consolidated text Dz.U. 2026 item 1245); Regulation of the Council of Ministers of May 28, 1996 on preventive meals and drinks (Dz.U. 1996 No. 60 item 279).
Legal status: based on the regulations in force at the time of the last editorial review; this article is reviewed periodically.