Uzbekistan Bans Mass Outdoor Work During Extreme Heat

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan's State Labour Inspectorate has instructed all khokimiyats to protect landscaping workers during the ongoing extreme heat and ordered that mass gatherings and public works should not be held outdoors during periods of high temperatures.

The inspectorate said on 19 July that the decision followed the circulation on social media of a video showing landscaping workers carrying out outdoor work during the hottest part of the day on 17 July. Residents in several districts of Tashkent also reported over the weekend that mahalla representatives had called on people to participate in hashar community work.

The inspectorate said organising mass events and collective outdoor work during periods of extreme heat is unacceptable because prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, cardiovascular and nervous system disorders, and other serious health consequences.

The directive issued to khokimiyats states that work posing a risk to workers' health must be suspended from 10:00 to 17:00. Employers are advised to introduce flexible working hours, provide sufficient drinking water and personal protective equipment, and arrange shaded rest areas. Workers whose health deteriorates must receive immediate medical assistance.

The inspectorate noted that outdoor work is classified as extremely hazardous when air temperatures reach 36 degrees Celsius or higher. Scheduled work should be carried out before 10:00 or after 17:00. If urgent work cannot be postponed, employers must reduce working hours, introduce special work-rest schedules, and provide shaded rest areas, drinking water, personal protective equipment and first-aid kits.

Employers have also been instructed to continuously monitor the health of employees working outdoors. Workers showing the first signs of illness must be immediately relieved of their duties and referred for medical treatment.

The State Labour Inspectorate warned that anyone violating occupational safety legislation will be held liable in accordance with the law.