They work at minus 35 degrees and for 10 hours a day, more and more of them end up in the ER: Some don't even have water or heat

Heatwaves have become increasingly frequent over recent years, and with them, working conditions on open sites have changed significantly, especially for jobs involving direct exposure to sunlight and high physical exertion. Temperatures exceeding seasonal norms are no longer exceptions but persistent threats to workers' health and safety. In Croatia, this issue has reached critical levels, with reports indicating that more workers are ending their shifts at emergency medical facilities due to heat-related illnesses. The situation has worsened as temperatures regularly exceed 35°C, with some workers enduring up to ten hours of labor per day under these extreme conditions. The Croatian Builders’ Union has raised concerns that many construction workers continue to face inadequate working hours, insufficient breaks, and limited protection against high temperatures. According to union representatives, such practices remain common despite growing awareness of the risks associated with prolonged exposure to heat. In practice, models of work organization designed to reduce risk during heatwaves, such as early start times, shortened workdays, or shift rotations, are rarely implemented. Instead, workers often endure long hours, including weekends, in environments lacking basic protections. Jasenka Vukšić, president of the Builders’ Union, noted that even in extreme heat, workers frequently find themselves working nine or ten hours daily, with little respite. Beyond organizational issues, there is a lack of fundamental conditions that could ease the burden on construction sites during intense heat. Many locations lack shade structures, tarps, and fans that might create at least a minimal artificial microclimate. Workers also often lack appropriate protective clothing and footwear. Vukšić emphasized that the absence of drinking water on job sites further exacerbates the danger, increasing the likelihood of dehydration and other heat-related ailments. Evidence of the consequences of these conditions is evident through documented cases of exhaustion, fatigue, and severe weakness among workers. Two younger workers reportedly ended up at the emergency room due to health complications linked to the harsh working environment. These incidents underscore the real and immediate dangers faced by laborers in such conditions. While legal frameworks have been updated since July 2nd, with new regulations requiring adherence to guidelines set by the Croatian Public Health Institute regarding work in high-temperature conditions, the union argues that these measures alone are insufficient. Vukšić pointed out that current rules do not impose penalties on employers who fail to comply, leaving enforcement largely dependent on individual goodwill. She acknowledged that many employers make efforts to protect their workers, yet she stressed that extreme summer temperatures have become a new reality that requires urgent attention. Further complicating matters is the lack of clear regulatory guidance on how to respond when temperatures reach dangerous levels and outdoor work becomes hazardous. There is ongoing debate about who within the construction system has the authority to take action when conditions become too perilous. Public perception often leads to the belief that decisions regarding whether to suspend work are left solely to management, without adequate oversight or accountability mechanisms. The current collective agreement for construction includes a provision offering a five percent bonus for work conducted above 35 degrees Celsius. However, the union considers this financial incentive inadequate as a substitute for actual health protection. Vukšić highlighted that a more specific legal framework is needed, one that clearly outlines employer obligations, limits on work during high temperatures, mandatory organizational measures, and effective supervision with enforceable sanctions for non-compliance. In November 2024, the union had already submitted a proposal to the relevant ministry urging changes to the Law on Occupational Safety. Despite these calls for reform, tangible progress remains elusive. As the summer months approach, the need for stronger safeguards for workers exposed to extreme heat continues to grow, raising questions about both the adequacy of existing protections and the willingness of authorities to act decisively.