Heat wave: Syna trade union calls for construction to be halted
The workloads under the great heat loads are hitting the construction industry particularly hard. The Syna trade union is calling for a temporary halt to construction activities above certain minimum temperatures.
Large parts of Europe are currently affected by a major heat wave. The heat wave reached its temporary peak in Switzerland on Tuesday with 38.1 degrees in Geneva. The city of Zurich alone calculates with up to 44 heat days per year by 2040. The sweltering heat is also plaguing construction workers. Prolonged physically strenuous work at these temperatures is no longer reasonable, as a spokesman for the Syna trade union explained in response to an inquiry from "20 minutes" says. This is hazardous to health. The activity would have to be stopped. Urban Hodel of the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions (SGB) also reiterated to the commuter newspaper that employers must guarantee the health protection of employees in any case.
However, the Swiss employers' association, which is also quoted, is fundamentally opposed to a ban on work in high temperatures. With appropriate measures, employers could take the right measures for their employees on their own, according to other sources.
Drink a lot
Protection from excessive heat exposure can be avoided by using the Shifting certain activities to cooler times of day. Also, the reduction of the workload through appropriate tools already before an overload and reduce the internal heat production. Additional breaks and less heavy meals can also reduce the internal energy balance. Cooling can be achieved by headgear and sufficient sunscreen. Neck protection cloths can also be attached to helmets. However, it is always important to drink enough fluids and take regular breaks. What to do in case of heat symptoms is illustrated by Suva in a recent article.
Source: 20 Minuten/BG Bau/Suva
