Republika Srpska pushes for mandatory heat‑work protection rule

The Union of Trade Unions of Republika Srpska has asked the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to draft and adopt a binding regulation that would govern outdoor work in extreme heat. Temperatures of 40 °C and above are now common, exposing construction, road, agricultural, forestry and municipal workers to risks of heat stress, exhaustion and heat stroke. Current guidance consists only of non‑binding recommendations such as shortening sun exposure and providing water, and the Republika Srpska inspectorate lacks clear legal authority to halt work when health is threatened.

Recent scientific research published in *Nature* shows that human tolerance to high temperatures is lower than previously thought. Young people can safely endure temperatures between 26 °C and 34 °C under high humidity, while older adults reach critical limits as low as 21 °C. A heat index above 54 °C is associated with inevitable heat‑stroke risk. These findings highlight the urgency of formal protection measures for outdoor workers in the region.