In Sicily, all workers exposed to thermal risks will be prohibited from carrying out activities from 12pm to 4pm. This is to protect health and safety in the workplace during the summer season which on the island is increasingly characterized by high temperatures, higher than 35 degrees centigrade, and humidity that cause heat waves. These are the new indications contained in the text on thermal shock, today shared by the regional government, trade unions, INPS, INAIL and employers’ associations.
«Finally, after a year of work, Sicily intends to adapt to these measures, already in force in other regions. A step forward towards prevention but now we hope that the regional council will adopt the procedures quickly. Summer is near, we want to be ready in the sole interest of the workers”, say CGIL, CISL and UIL Sicilia. Those who carry out outdoor activities such as civil and road construction workers are exposed to risk. But there are also workers in the agricultural, port, maritime and seaside sectors. The list includes riders and all those who carry out “significant physical activity” or who are engaged in closed environments without adequate ventilation.
The memorandum of understanding, after approval, will be forwarded to all the mayors of the island who in turn will have to issue specific ordinances to prohibit activities during the hottest hours.
