Businesses have to stop working from 12:00 to 17:00 due to the heat

Due to extreme heat on Wednesday and Thursday in Attica, East Central Greece, Eastern Peloponnese and Thessaly with 12:00 to 17:00 are suspended work involving manual labor outdoors.

Work stoppage

The work stoppage applies to technical and construction – on construction sites, distribution and transport of products and items using a two-wheeled vehicle (delivery) – when the temperature is equal to or above 40°C. While especially for work in the shipbuilding and repair area, the requirement of the above subclause applies to temperatures above 38°C.

In case of failure to fulfill the obligations under this regulation, the labor inspectorate imposes a fine on the enterprise in the amount of 2,000 euros for each employee. In particular, taking into account the relevant circular dated June 3, 2024 (No. 34666) “Prevention of Heat Stress of Workers” of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, the new published circular provides the following:

Mandatory cessation of work:

α) For employees of enterprises located mainly in Attica, Eastern Central Greece, Eastern Peloponnese and Thessaly, where, according to a special weather forecast, particularly high temperatures are expected, it is necessary to stop working from 12.00 to 17.00 on Tuesday 11.6.2024, Wednesday 12.06 .2024 and Thursday 06/13/2024 for manual work performed outdoors. This refers to work on technical and construction sites, construction sites, delivery and transportation of products and items on a two-wheeler (delivery), etc., when the temperature is equal to or above 40° C.

b) For work in a shipbuilding zone, the obligation of the above sub-clause applies at temperatures above 38°C.

c) If the measure of suspension of distribution operations is applied, the possibility of accepting orders directly from the store (takeaway) may be retained, as well as the possibility of distributing in private vehicles other than two-wheelers and other vehicles mentioned in the previous sub-paragraph, as defined in the article 2 of Law 2696/1999, under more specific conditions (provided that they are equipped with air conditioning).

d) The cessation of work does not apply to economic activities related to important and socially significant infrastructure in the health, transport and public utilities sectors (medical facilities, water supply, electricity supply, air transport, cargo handling, sea, land and rail transport), with subject to the adoption of other technical and organizational measures provided for by Circular No. 34666/06/03/2024 “Prevention of heat stress of workers”, including the organization of working hours.

e) In case of failure to fulfill the obligations provided for in this regulation, the labor inspectorate imposes a fine of 2,000 euros on each employee of the enterprise.

Providing remote work using a telework system

Workers with dependent labor relations in the private sector of the economy who belong to high-risk groups, especially in case of exposure to aggravating conditions in areas where, according to the special weather forecast of 06/10/2024, particularly high temperatures are expected, are given the opportunity to work remotely using a telework system, if possible due to the nature of their work.

To combat heat stress In areas where, according to a special weather forecast, particularly high temperatures are expected (mainly Attica, East Central Greece, Eastern Peloponnese and Thessaly), and to make it easier for employees to change their clocking in and out of work, employers may not register contact PS ERGANI in advance for any changes in the organization of working hours.

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