FTTU warns about the safety of transport workers during the heat

With the onset of summer heat, the risk of accidents and health problems in the workplace significantly increases, especially for outdoor work. Employers are responsible for ensuring a safe and healthy work environment and must take specific measures to prevent health problems related to high temperatures.

In the "Transport" sector, workers often spend extended periods in vehicles or outdoors, exposed to direct sunlight, high temperatures, and heat stress.

In Bulgaria, the requirements for the workplace microclimate are regulated by Ordinance No. RD-07-3 of 18.07.2014;

Creating an appropriate organization of the work process and/or working hours, including providing breaks with suitable frequency and duration; Creating an appropriate organization of workplaces; Providing protective measures for outdoor work, especially regarding the risk of sun/heat stroke; Providing suitable work clothing; Providing places for rest with appropriate conditions for restoring the body's heat balance; Sufficient quantity of drinking water, as well as cold drinks and other liquids for restoring the body's water-salt and heat balance; Providing monitoring or means of communication for workers at isolated outdoor workplaces; Providing first aid and pre-medical care, as well as appropriate transportation for workers with suddenly worsened health conditions to receive medical assistance. Unfortunately, there are no legally defined temperature limits for outdoor work, but the employer is obliged to assess the risk and take appropriate measures, including considering issued yellow and red codes for dangerous weather.

The systematic application of these measures is crucial for reducing the risk of accidents, worsened health condition, and loss of work capability while working in the transport sector during the summer months.

FTTU appeals to employers to monitor weather conditions and organize work to avoid accidents and injuries.