Due to intense heat in Cyprus, outdoor daytime work has been prohibited

The Department of Labour Inspection of the Republic of Cyprus issued a warning on June 5th, stating that heavy and moderate outdoor work is prohibited by law from 12:00 to 16:00. This ban has been enforced for the second consecutive day due to abnormal heat.

The warning applies to all heavy and moderate outdoor work, as well as work related to the transportation or delivery of goods, including food or mail, using two-wheeled vehicles (such as motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles), or personal mobile devices (like scooters and electric scooters), as stated in the agency's announcement.

The orange-level warning about mandatory work cessation applies to inland areas, including Nicosia and Larnaca, from Afienou to Astromeritis, as well as any areas below 300 meters in altitude located more than 10 kilometers from the coast, and mountainous areas at altitudes exceeding 1150 meters.

In cooler areas of the island where work cessation orders are not in effect, the law still requires outdoor workers performing moderate and heavy work to take appropriate occupational health and safety measures and monitor heat stress.

The department also reminds people to avoid strenuous outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day. Workers should also be provided with drinking water at temperatures of 10–15°C and appropriate headgear. It is recommended for workers to wear lightweight cotton clothing and sunglasses.

The department also advises against heavy meals, sweets, alcohol, or caffeinated beverages.

Examples of moderate work include fencing, concreting, bricklaying, plastering, painting, flooring, tiling, carving, hammering, carrying light objects, carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, mechanical work, aluminum laying, railing installation, and paving, performed using mechanical means.

Heavy work includes intensive manual labor, foundation processing and construction, formwork assembly/disassembly, digging or breaking hard materials using mechanical tools, devices, or machines weighing more than 15 kilograms, as well as asphalt laying.