Switzerland: Unia reports lack of heat protection on construction sites

A survey by the Unia union reveals that more than 80% of construction sites in Switzerland do not systematically apply mandatory breaks when temperatures reach 33°C. Out of 984 workers surveyed, only 18% receive the prescribed 15-minute hourly breaks, while 67% report they are never granted such pauses.

Additional findings indicate poor working conditions regarding heat mitigation: only 32% of workers have consistent access to cool rest areas, and 68% report that work schedules are not adjusted to avoid peak heat hours. The union warned that these failures impact health and safety, noting that 15% of respondents have experienced or witnessed heat-related medical emergencies on site.

Public opinion in Switzerland shows strong support for increased heat protections. A poll conducted by 20 Minutes and Tamedia found that 81% of the population supports the Unia union's demand to exempt outdoor construction workers from labor when temperatures hit 33°C. Furthermore, 91% of respondents favor installing air conditioning in public buildings such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes, though 67% oppose using public subsidies to fund these installations.