(ANALYSIS) Increased accidents at work, also due to increased stress and high temperatures.

In response to extreme heat conditions across Slovenia, the Labor Advisory Council has publicly called on Minister of Economy, Employment, and Sport Anže Logar to issue a clear directive banning work outdoors during red weather alerts issued by the Slovenian Environment Agency (ARSO). This comes amid a nine-day heatwave that has broken records with temperatures reaching 38°C in Ljubljana and tropical nights recorded even in mountainous regions. The council emphasized that such high temperatures pose a direct threat to workers' health and lives, particularly those employed in open-air sectors like construction, utilities, agriculture, and physically demanding jobs. The call follows a period of intense heat that has affected nearly all of Slovenia, with ARSO issuing red warnings indicating potentially dangerous weather conditions that could endanger human life. The Labor Advisory Council urged the minister to take immediate action, stating that the highest level of weather warning should trigger a decisive and prompt response from the state. They highlighted the vulnerability of workers who continue to labor under extreme heat conditions despite existing regulations meant to protect their safety and well-being. The current legal framework in Slovenia mandates that employers ensure the safety and health of employees, including adjustments for work in extreme temperatures. These measures include adapting work processes, providing more breaks, access to water, protective equipment, moving to cooler areas, and adjusting working hours if necessary. Special attention must be given to vulnerable groups such as older workers, young employees, pregnant women, and those with reduced work capacity. However, the challenge lies in the lack of specific guidelines defining when these measures should automatically be implemented or when outdoor work should be prohibited. This ambiguity leaves much to the discretion of employers, leading to inconsistent practices across industries. Some employers have taken proactive steps, adjusting schedules, introducing additional breaks, ensuring access to water and shade, while others have not, citing the absence of clearly defined obligations under the law. According to reports, the Labor Inspectorate receives numerous complaints each year regarding inadequate working conditions due to high temperatures, especially during heatwaves. The Labor Advisory Council argues that in cases of extreme heat, there should be no room for interpretation, outdoor work should be explicitly banned during red weather alerts. Other European countries have already introduced stricter measures in response to similar challenges. For instance, Italy and Greece have implemented concrete restrictions on outdoor work during periods of extreme heat. These examples highlight the growing recognition of the need for comprehensive policies to protect workers from environmental hazards associated with rising global temperatures. In recent days, the number of workplace injuries has increased significantly, with many attributed to the heightened physical demands placed on workers during hot weather. Traumatologist Radoš Vidmar noted that the University Clinical Center Ljubljana's emergency surgical block has been treating over 200 injured individuals daily, some requiring life-saving interventions. This surge in injuries has raised concerns among healthcare professionals and labor advisors, who warn that the combination of high temperatures and prolonged exposure increases the risk of severe accidents, particularly in sectors characterized by high physical exertion. Laura Orel, a counselor at the Labor Advisory Council, emphasized that this year has seen an unusually high number of serious workplace injuries, some resulting in fatalities. She pointed out that many of these incidents occur in industries such as construction, logistics, and manufacturing, where workers often face long shifts, night work, and uneven distribution of working hours. Despite public health advisories urging people to avoid sun exposure and stay in the shade during heatwaves, many workers continue to operate in hazardous conditions. The Ministry of Economy, Employment, and Sports acknowledged the importance of safeguarding workers' health during heatwaves and reiterated its commitment to addressing these issues through both legislative and practical measures. The ministry highlighted its efforts over the past few years, including the publication of professional guidelines aimed at helping employers implement protective measures based on recommendations from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), ARSO weather alerts, and the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). These resources provide detailed guidance on when and how to initiate protective actions, emphasizing the need for timely responses to heatwaves. While current legislation provides essential obligations for employers, the ministry recognizes the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and the necessity for continuous evaluation and adaptation of existing frameworks. If future assessments indicate that the current regulations are insufficient to adequately protect workers from increasingly frequent heatwaves, the ministry will consider revising them based on expert knowledge, practical experience, and social dialogue. Until then, the focus remains on ensuring that employers adhere strictly to established guidelines to mitigate risks associated with extreme weather conditions.