Scorching temperatures have gripped the country this weekend, with the mercury expected to reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. The Hydrometeorological Administration announced that an orange heat alert has been activated.
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Under these conditions, the Institute of Public Health has issued specific guidelines to protect workers and groups of citizens who are more vulnerable to high temperatures.
People who work outdoors or in enclosed spaces where temperatures are high face the greatest risk during heatwaves. The IPH is calling for special measures to protect them, particularly when tasks are performed in direct sunlight, extreme heat or require intense physical exertion.
Categories of workers at risk include:
Construction workers
Municipal workers
Farmers
Delivery workers
Traffic police officers
Production workers
Cooks and kitchen staff
Bakery workers
Foundry workers
According to the IPH recommendations, employers should organize work processes in accordance with weather conditions. Between 11:00 and 17:00, when heat exposure reaches its highest level, more frequent breaks and worker rotation are advised, while physically demanding work should be moved to cooler parts of the day where feasible.
Recommended measures for employers include:
Providing ventilation and air conditioning
Providing shade in work areas
Measuring the temperature
Providing an area where workers can cool down
Scheduling more frequent breaks
Implementing worker rotation
Organizing shift work
Allowing flexible working hours
Remote work
Avoiding work in direct sunlight
Reducing physical exertion
Where the work process allows, the IPH advises that tasks involving intense physical exertion be carried out in the early morning or late afternoon. Additional care is required for employees who are more susceptible to high temperatures.
Vulnerable categories include:
People with chronic illnesses
Older workers
Pregnant women
Overweight people
In addition to the measures employers must take, workers themselves should also take precautions during periods of extreme heat.
They are advised to drink sufficient amounts of water, avoid alcohol and limit excessive caffeine intake. They should also wear light clothing and use sun protection.
Heat protection measures include:
Drinking sufficient amounts of water
Using electrolytes as needed
Wearing light clothing
Wearing cotton clothing
Wearing hats
Wearing sunglasses
Using sunscreen
Staying in the shade
Staying in air-conditioned spaces
Workers should be able to recognize the early symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Immediate action is required if dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, excessive sweating, lack of sweating or confusion occurs.
Warning signs of danger include:
Dizziness
Weakness
Headache
Nausea
Excessive sweating
Stopping sweating
If heatstroke is suspected, the IPH urges people to immediately contact emergency medical services by calling 194 or 112. Until medical teams arrive, the person should be moved to a cool place, cooled with water and cold compresses, and kept under constant observation.
Actions to take in the event of heatstroke include:
Calling emergency services on 194 or 112
Moving the person to a cool space
Placing the person in a lying position
Cooling the person with water and cold compresses
Placing the person in the recovery position if unconscious
The heat is expected to continue over the coming days.
The Hydrometeorological Administration forecasts sunny and very hot weather, with light to moderate cloud cover during the day. Localized unstable cloud development is expected tomorrow afternoon, accompanied by rain and thunderstorms.
