Cyprus is on red alert as temperatures soar to extreme levels, with strict Cyprus heatwave safety measures now in force, including inspections, fines, and mandatory work stoppages.
Minister of Labour Yiannis Panayiotou told state radio that the workers most exposed to dangerous heatwave conditions are those employed outdoors. To protect them, one of the first decisions of the Christodoulides government was to issue a Ministerial Decree on protection from thermal stress, now in effect for the third consecutive summer.
According to the Minister, this is the ninth time this year that the provisions of the Decree have been activated. These require the suspension of heavy and medium outdoor work, as well as deliveries using two-wheeled vehicles, whenever an official heatwave warning is issued. “The enforcement of the Decree proves in practice the correctness of the decision, as it safeguards the health and lives of workers,” he emphasised.
The relevant department of the Ministry carried out 268 inspections at active worksites, issuing 40 on-the-spot fines, 25 prohibition notices, and 12 improvement notices. Penalties for violations range from €500 to €5,000.
The Decree’s provisions are activated based on warnings from the Meteorological Department:
- Orange warning: Work stoppages from 12:00 to 16:00 in affected areas.
- Red warning: Work stoppages for the full duration of the alert.
Areas are defined geographically according to altitude, distance from the sea, and the intensity of the heatwave.
The Minister also reminded the public and workers that they may submit anonymous or named complaints in cases of breaches of the Decree, ensuring the protection of their labour rights.
The Cyprus heatwave safety measures are part of a broader national strategy to prevent heat-related illnesses, reduce workplace risks, and uphold workers’ safety during periods of extreme weather.
Also read: Heatwave work ban in Cyprus amid extreme temperatures
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel.
