THE HEALTH OF THE WORKERS IS MOST IMPORTANT

The Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia calls on all employers, in conditions when the entire territory of the country is affected by temperatures up to 41 degrees, temperatures from the yellow (alert) phase, to respect the measures provided by the Action Plan for preventing the consequences of heat waves on the health of the population.

Employers in the private and public sectors and institutions to consistently adhere to the implementation of the measures envisaged in Phase 3 of the Action Plan for Preventing the Consequences of Heat Waves on the Health of the Population 2025-2030, namely:

- Public communications and information, the Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and the Institute of Public Health, to regularly inform about the situation with the heat wave.

- Activation of emergency plans, all health institutions, institutions for the care of the elderly and educational institutions to act in accordance with the internal protocols for a crisis situation.

- Working conditions and worker protection, consider the possibility of:

Delaying the work process during critical hours (11:00–17:00) for workers exposed to direct heat;

Remote work, flexible or double working hours, where feasible;

Employers to provide microclimatic working conditions in accordance with the Action Plan: rooms with a temperature of up to 25°C, except where the nature of the work process requires otherwise.

Exemption from work obligations for pregnant women and people over 60 years of age, if the employer is unable to create appropriate microclimatic working conditions.

-Reorganise work processes for employees exposed to direct heat.

-Health, educational and social institutions to act in accordance with emergency plans, rotate staff, and provide air-conditioned rooms for patients and employees;

-Social work centres, local governments and the Red Cross to intensify field support for lonely, elderly and homeless people;

-Educational institutions and kindergartens to avoid outdoor activities between 11:00 and 17:00;

-Employers to provide appropriate working conditions (temperature up to 25°C) and, if possible, implement online work or flexible working hours