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.

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.

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