The temperature and humidity conditions expected to prevail today, Tuesday, or in the coming days are likely to cause a very severe heat wave, making it necessary to regulate, restriction, or even suspension of work, according to the Labor Inspection Department (TEE) of the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance.

In a notice to employers and self-employed individuals, the TEE states that “these conditions may endanger workers exposed to heat stress and/or seriously affect their health.”

For the purposes of implementing the relevant provisions, the TEE reminds employers and self-employed individuals alike that they must measure the parameters contributing to heat stress at work sites.

Depending on the prevailing air temperature (in the shade) and relative humidity, they are required to adjust their work accordingly and to implement a change in the type of work, a rest period, or a work stoppage, depending on the nature of the work being performed, as well as other appropriate and adequate measures (organizational and technical), in cooperation with local employee safety representatives, to prevent or reduce heat stress.

Specifically, this refers to organizing work schedules so that strenuous tasks are performed during the coolest hours of the day, as well as scheduling frequent short breaks for rest in a shaded, cool area, a properly air-conditioned space, or an area equipped with fans, where feasible.

At the same time, it is necessary to designate or select a shaded area or construct appropriate shelters for performing the work where possible, rotate workers on the job depending on the type of activity being performed, and, where possible, avoid strenuous outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day (12:00–16:00).

In addition, workers must be provided with cool drinking water (at a temperature of 10–15°C), appropriate head coverings must be provided and worn, and workers must wear lightweight, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton garments, and appropriate sunglasses, avoid eating large meals or sugary foods or consuming alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, and provide training to employees.

According to the provisions of the Code of Practice, for temperatures ranging from 39°C to 46°C, work must be suspended when relative humidity reaches a certain level or higher, depending on the type and intensity of the work.

Specifically, at 39°C: for light work ≥ 53%, moderate work ≥ 48%, and heavy work ≥ 42%, respectively. At 40°C, the levels are ≥ 48% for light work, ≥ 43% for moderate work, and ≥ 37% for heavy work. At 41°C, the rates were ≥ 43% for light work, ≥ 38% for moderate work, and ≥ 33% for heavy work. At 42°C, for light work ≥ 39%, for moderate work ≥ 34%, and for heavy work ≥ 28%. At 43°C, for light work ≥ 34%, for moderate work ≥ 29%, and for heavy work ≥ 25%. At 44°C, for light work ≥ 29%, for moderate work ≥ 26%, and for heavy work ≥ 21%. At 45°C, for light work ≥ 25%, for moderate work ≥ 22%  and heavy work ≥ 18%, and at 46°C for light work ≥ 23%, for moderate work ≥ 19%, and for heavy work ≥ 15%.

For more information, interested parties can visit the TEE website under the “Thermal Stress” section or/contact the Inspectors at the Department’s local District Offices at 22879191 for Nicosia, 25827200 for Limassol, 24805327 for Larnaca, 26822715 for Paphos, and 23819750 for Famagusta.

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Source: CNA