The Department of Labour Inspection (DLI) has warned that the high temperatures and humidity expected on Tuesday and in the coming days could create severe heatwave conditions, requiring the regulation, restriction or even suspension of certain types of work.
In guidance issued to employers and self-employed individuals, the department said the expected conditions could expose workers to serious heat stress, particularly those carrying out outdoor or physically demanding tasks.
Employers urged to assess heat risk
The DLI reminded employers and self-employed persons that they are required to monitor factors contributing to heat stress in workplaces.
Based on prevailing air temperatures and relative humidity levels, employers should adjust work activities accordingly and, where necessary, implement:
- Work-rest cycles
- Changes to work schedules
- Temporary suspension of activities
- Additional technical and organisational measures
The department said these actions should be taken in cooperation with workplace safety representatives where applicable.
Recommended protective measures
The DLI advises employers to take a range of precautions to reduce heat exposure, including:
- Scheduling heavy work during the coolest hours of the day
- Organising frequent short breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas
- Providing shaded workspaces or temporary shelters where possible
- Rotating workers between tasks
- Avoiding strenuous outdoor work between 12:00pm and 4:00pm
- Supplying cool drinking water at temperatures between 10C and 15C
- Providing suitable head protection
- Encouraging the use of light, loose-fitting and breathable clothing
- Using appropriate sunglasses
- Avoiding large meals, sugary foods, alcohol and excessive caffeine
- Ensuring workers receive training on heat-related risks
When work must stop
Under the provisions of the relevant Code of Practice, work must be suspended when temperatures reach between 39C and 46C and relative humidity exceeds specified thresholds, depending on the intensity of the work.
For example:
- At 39C, work should stop when humidity reaches 53% for light work, 48% for medium work and 42% for heavy work.
- At 41C, the thresholds fall to 43%, 38% and 33% respectively.
- At 46C, work should cease when humidity reaches 23% for light work, 19% for medium work and 15% for heavy work.
Further information
The Department of Labour Inspection said additional guidance is available through its Heat Stress section online, while employers may also contact district labour inspectors for advice and support.
Source: CNA
