Slovenian heat wave endangers outdoor workers and car occupants

Slovenian unions warn that the June heat wave puts outdoor workers at high risk. Sectors cited include hospitality, tourism, retail, construction, road transport, public utilities and postal services. They note that temperatures above 25 °C cut labour productivity by about 2 % per degree, rising to roughly 4 % per degree above 27 °C, and increase the likelihood of accidents. The Confederation of Trade Unions 90 calls for organisational, technical and procedural measures such as temperature monitoring, reduced work intensity, shifted hours, more breaks, shading, cooling zones and protective equipment. Slovenian safety regulations already cap indoor air temperature at 28 °C, except in designated hot‑work areas.

Separate tests of parked cars show that interior cabins can quickly reach dangerous levels. When outside temperatures approach 40 °C, car interiors can exceed 70 °C, and in some cases approach 100 °C, posing severe health hazards, especially to children and pets. The study highlights the rapid temperature rise—about 1 °C per minute after the air‑conditioning is turned off—and stresses the need for ventilation, shading and proper maintenance of vehicle cooling systems.

Both reports underscore the broader public‑health challenge posed by extreme heat in Slovenia, urging immediate protective actions for workers and the general public.