Temperature and humidity conditions expected today, Tuesday, and possibly over the coming days may create very severe heat stress requiring employers to adjust, limit or stop work, the Department of Labour Inspection of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance has said.
The warning comes as the Department of Meteorology has a yellow warning in effect for extremely high temperatures, with inland areas expected to reach around 41C between 1pm and 4.20pm.
In guidance to employers and self-employed persons, the Department of Labour Inspection said “these conditions may endanger workers exposed to heat stress and/or seriously affect their health.”
To apply the relevant provisions, the Department of Labour Inspection reminded employers and self-employed persons that they must measure, at workplaces, the parameters contributing to heat stress. Based on prevailing air temperature (in the shade) and relative humidity, they must adjust work accordingly and apply changes to tasks, rest breaks or work stoppages depending on the type of work being carried out, along with other adequate organisational and technical measures, in cooperation with workers’ local safety representatives, to avoid or reduce heat stress.
Specifically, the Department of Labour Inspection recommended organising working hours so heavy tasks are carried out during the cooler parts of the day, along with frequent short breaks for rest in shaded, cool, air-conditioned areas, or areas using fans where possible.
Employers should also arrange or select shaded areas, or build suitable shelters for carrying out work where possible, rotate workers depending on the type of activity, and avoid strenuous outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day, from noon to 4pm, where feasible.
Workers should also be provided with cool drinking water, at a temperature of 10-15C, suitable head coverings, and light, loose, breathable clothing such as cotton, as well as appropriate sunglasses. Employers should ensure workers avoid large meals, sugary foods, alcohol or caffeinated drinks, and should provide training for workers.
Under the Code of Practice, work must stop at temperatures between 39C and 46C once relative humidity reaches or exceeds certain levels, depending on the type and intensity of work, as set out below:
| Temperature | Light work | Moderate work | Heavy work |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39°C | ≥53% | ≥48% | ≥42% |
| 40°C | ≥48% | ≥43% | ≥37% |
| 41°C | ≥43% | ≥38% | ≥33% |
| 42°C | ≥39% | ≥34% | ≥28% |
| 43°C | ≥34% | ≥29% | ≥25% |
| 44°C | ≥29% | ≥26% | ≥21% |
| 45°C | ≥25% | ≥22% | ≥18% |
| 46°C | ≥23% | ≥19% | ≥15% |
For more information, employers and workers can visit the Department of Labour Inspection’s website, in the Heat Stress section, or contact inspectors at the department’s district offices: Nicosia 22879191, Limassol 25827200, Larnaca 24805327, Paphos 26822715, and Famagusta 23819750.
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