Trade union demands binding rules to protect workers from heat

Economy climate crisishealthTop Newstrade unionsworkers' rights Trade union demands binding rules to protect workers from heat Work Heat 1 Relevant News Expired consumables for colonoscopies, Ministry of Health explains 8 July 2026 Should we worry about the toxic silver-cheeked toad fish in Cyprus? 8 July 2026 Trade union demands binding rules to protect workers from heat 8 July 2026 newsroom 8 July 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber The SEK trade union has warned that the current levels of heat are a threat to the health of workers, and have requested that employers respond to protect employees in a timely manner, assessing all risks in order to prevent dangerous conditions for workers. They noted that the protection of health and safety at work is primarily the responsibility of employers, underlining the need to implement measures quickly to prevent heat stress in the hot Cypriot summer season. They continued, noting that exposure to intense heat is not just uncomfortable, but a genuine health hazard to those working outdoors or in areas with increased heat. This would include construction workers, agricultural workers, ports, industrial areas and more where higher temperatures equate to a higher health risk. SEK also pointed out that factors such as physical effort, humidity levels and prolonged exposure to UV rays will worsen the effects of heat. “The inability of the human body to effectively regulate its temperature can cause exhaustion, cramps, dizziness, fainting and heat stroke, situations that may be dangerous for the lives of the workers,” SEK highlighted. They requested for employers to consider adjusting working hours to cooler hours of the day, as well as providing frequent breaks, access to cool drinking water, and ensuring there are shaded areas for rest. The trade union also asked that employers implement the instructions of the Department of Labour Inspection and the provisions of the Code of Practice on Heat Stress, saying that “Training should not be treated as a formal obligation, but as an essential measure for the protection of human life.” In Cyprus, this is particularly relevant, with intense heat during the summer, combined with immense sunshine. The prevention of the risk to worker’s health must be organised, and not approached haphazardly, SEK emphasised. Health and Safety Law states that employers are obliged to promptly assess any risks, meaning monitoring temperatures, humidity and working conditions in order to implement practical measures before danger reaches the employee. SEK has also asked that employees try to be particularly careful, and try to identify the symptoms of heat stress quickly, immediately informing their supervisors after if they experience any of the following: Feeling faint Dizziness Thirst Experiencing headaches Unusual fatigue The union has stated that they will continue to monitor the implementation of measures in the workplace, asserting that “No salary, no schedule and no productive need can be placed above human life,” continuing by making clear that every worker had the right to work in safe conditions in order to return home unharmed. Read more: UN sounds alarm over high-intensity El Niño phenomenon affecting global weather Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Expired consumables for colonoscopies, Ministry of Health explains Should we worry about the toxic silver-cheeked toad fish in Cyprus? Film on Senegalese women’s Cyprus migration sheds light on resilience in face of inequalities Psychologists association warns public over bioresonance and unproven therapies Three remanded over Kofinou robbery and abduction of 65-year-old EU Parliament calls for justice for victims of sexual violence during 1974 Turkish invasion Overnight pharmacies on Wednesday, July 8 Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.