Heatwave: Work hours adjusted and measures to protect employees

Companies and town halls in Tàrrega modify workdays to combat high temperatures and ensure hydration.

Close-up of a thermal canteen in a worker's hands, with vegetation and a sunny sky in the background.
IA

Close-up of a thermal canteen in a worker's hands, with vegetation and a sunny sky in the background.

The extreme heatwave has led Tàrrega to modify working conditions to protect employees' health, especially those exposed to outdoor environments.

The current heatwave necessitates special precautions for any outdoor activity, particularly affecting exposed sectors like agriculture or construction. In Tàrrega, the gardening service of the Associació Alba's Special Employment Centre (CET) has adjusted its schedule to safeguard its employees' health.
Although they already work an intensive schedule until 3:00 PM during summer months, these days of intense heat see outdoor tasks concluding by 1:00 PM. Work organization is dictated by weather conditions, utilizing early morning hours for the most demanding jobs, such as removing dry grass from plots, which is crucial for fire prevention, especially with the upcoming Sant Joan festivities. As temperatures rise, sun exposure is reduced.
From 1:00 PM onwards, the workday shifts to indoor spaces, such as the workshop, where maintenance tasks, machinery cleaning, and material organization are carried out. Hydration is a priority, with frequent breaks and access to cold water to prevent the effects of the intense heat.
The municipal brigade of Tàrrega has also adapted its operations. The Councillor for Municipal Services, Laia Recasens, reported that a preventive notice has been sent to staff to reinforce measures like frequent hydration and seeking shaded areas. More demanding tasks are prioritized for the early part of the day.
As a new initiative, the Town Hall has ordered thermal caps and canteens for all staff, with this material expected in the coming days to facilitate access to cold water throughout the workday.