Italian regions ban outdoor work during hottest hours to protect workers

The regional government of Puglia issued an ordinance prohibiting work outdoors between 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on days with high heat risk, citing the danger of heat‑stroke and other illnesses. The Fillea‑CGIL union in Foggia welcomed the measure but urged immediate strengthening of inspections and enforcement to ensure compliance.

In Basilicata, an urgent decree signed by President Vito Bardi extends the ban until 15 September, applying the same time‑frame wherever the Worklimate forecast identifies a high‑risk level. The restriction covers sectors such as agriculture, construction, forestry, mining, logistics and road or rail maintenance. Employers must reorganise shifts, provide shade, water and appropriate clothing, and only limited emergency exemptions are permitted. Monitoring will be carried out by local health agencies, the national labour inspectorate and municipal authorities.