Take care of yourself during the heatwave

When the temperatures get hot, remember to stay well-hydrated, avoid being out in the sun during the hottest part of the day, and limit physical activity/ You should also check whether your loved ones, neighbours and friends have access to water and sufficiently cool rooms, and whether they need help with everyday tasks.

Take care for one another. Sometimes a single phone call, a brief conversation or an offer of help can protect the other person from the grave consequences of a heatwave.

Staying safe at work during a heatwave

Extreme heat also has an impact on working conditions. Employers are obliged to ensure safe and healthy working conditions as well as to organise work in a way that enables employees to stay safe. This means ensuring that employees have access to drinking water, adequate ventilation and any other measures to mitigate the effects of high temperatures.

The existing regulations require employers to provide free drinks to employees working outdoors when the temperature exceeds 25°C as well as at workstations where the temperature exceeds 28°C due to weather conditions.

An employer may also provide additional breaks, reduce working hours or implement a shift system. What is more, the introduction of such solutions must not result in salary reductions.

Employees working outdoors should be provided with suitable clothing and headgear to protect them from the sun. During the breaks, they should head to shaded areas and drink plenty of water on a regular basis.

The Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy has released a guide titled Good Atmosphere at Work, which compiles key information on workplace safety during heatwaves, employers' obligations and employees' rights.

We encourage you to read the publication. Understanding safety rules and your rights helps you to protect your health more effectively and respond to emergencies caused by high temperatures.

Supporting vulnerable people

In the time of heatwaves, older people and those living on their own, people who need support in everyday life, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, and people with mental health conditions require additional support and care.

Make sure to keep in touch with them on a regular basis, help them limit the time spent in the sun, and keep an eye out for signs of dehydration and health issues. In the case of older people and those whoo need help, make sure that they have access to drinking water, the means to cool their living spaces, and conditions that enable them to function safely when it is hot outside.

The Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy requested social welfare organisations to keep a close eye on those who are particularly impacted by the heatwaves. The Ministry recommends making additional calls and home visits, monitoring the health of people in high-risk groups, ensuring access to drinking water, and developing local forms of support, including neighbourhood assistance and volunteering. Social welfare organisations have also been encouraged to strengthen their cooperation with local authorities, healthcare organisations, the police, the municipal police and non-governmental organisations.