Recommendations from the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy to Employers Due to High Temperatures: People Are More Important Than Any Job

(Patria) - Given the high temperatures affecting the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina these days, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Policy reminds employers of their obligation to implement measures for the protection of workers' health and safety, especially those working outdoors or in jobs with increased risks to workers' health and lives.

"In accordance with the Law on Occupational Safety, we recommend that employers review their work organization methods and, wherever possible, adapt work processes to mitigate the harmful effects of high temperatures.

It is recommended that during the period from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, when temperatures are highest, outdoor work be avoided, and that such work, if possible, be continued after that period. In cases where this is not possible, it is recommended to move the start of the working day to six o'clock in the morning, in order to complete outdoor work before the peak daily heat.

Special attention should be paid to workers engaged in jobs with increased risks, as well as those exposed to harmful influences in the work environment.

We also recommend that employers, wherever possible, allow workers with chronic illnesses to use annual leave or other forms of absence.

It is also important to adapt workers' attire to high temperature conditions, both in companies and institutions, and at official events, including parliamentary and government sessions, and other public events.

"There will always be work, but people are the most important thing we have. Caring for workers' health is a legal obligation, but also a principle of humanity that we must not neglect," said the Federal Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Adnan Deljić.

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Policy calls on all employers to show understanding and adapt work processes in accordance with weather conditions, because the health and safety of workers must come first.