The Labor Inspection Department (TEE) has announced a mandatory suspension of all heavy and moderate outdoor work, as well as the transport or delivery of goods using motorcycles and personal mobility devices, the Labor Inspection Department (TEE) announced today, due to extreme temperatures and the orange alert issued by the Meteorological Department.

According to the TEE’s announcement, the work suspension is in effect from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., as long as the orange warning remains in effect, and applies to the interior of Cyprus, in areas at an elevation below 300 meters and more than 10 kilometers from the coastline.

The measure includes all heavy and moderate outdoor work, as well as the delivery of goods, food, mail, and other items carried out using motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles, scooters, and electric scooters.

For all other types of work and areas where the orange alert does not apply, the Department reminds employers and self-employed individuals that they are required to implement heat stress protection measures, as stipulated in the relevant Code of Practice.

Among other things, they are urged to measure the temperature and relative humidity in the workplace, adjust the work schedule accordingly, organize frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, ensure a continuous supply of cool drinking water, provide appropriate personal protective equipment, such as hats, and avoid performing strenuous outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day.

The Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE) also notes that, according to the Code of Practice, when the temperature ranges between 39°C and 46°C, the suspension of work is also determined by relative humidity levels, depending on the intensity of the work (light, moderate, or heavy).

Regarding the intensity of work, the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE) provides examples. Light work includes office work, supervision, bench work with light tools, and routine driving; while moderate-intensity work includes installing fencing, concrete pouring, bricklaying, plastering, painting, laying floors, laying tiles, chiseling, forging, carrying light objects, carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, mechanical work, aluminum installation, railing installation, and asphalt paving work performed using mechanical equipment. 

SEE ALSO: Heatwave Persists: Temperatures “Reach” 43°C—When Will the Orange Alert Take Effect?

Heavy work is defined as strenuous manual labor, processing and installing rebar, assembling/disassembling formwork, digging or breaking hard materials with power tools, devices, or machinery weighing more than 15 kg, and asphalt paving work carried out manually.

The Department calls on employers and employees to strictly adhere to the prescribed measures, with the aim of protecting the health and safety of workers during extreme weather conditions.

SOURCE: CNA