Uzbekistan Urges Adjusted Work Hours Amid Extreme Heat

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The State Labor Inspectorate under the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction of Uzbekistan has recommended that employers revise work organization for employees working outdoors due to abnormally hot weather.

The agency noted that high air temperatures significantly increase the risk of heat and sunstroke, dehydration, and cardiovascular complications. The inspectorate emphasized that ensuring safe working conditions is the responsibility of the employer.

Employers are recommended to reduce outdoor work volumes where possible or to temporarily suspend them from 11:00 to 16:00. During this period, it is also proposed to avoid performing heavy physical labor.

Additionally, employers are advised to provide workers with a sufficient amount of drinking water, organize resting places in the shade or in cool rooms, and provide opportunities to take regular breaks.

The inspectorate also recommends not allowing employees who have not passed a medical examination to work. For employees performing duties outdoors, breathable clothing and headwear protecting against the effects of sunlight should be provided.

Special attention is proposed to be paid to conducting briefings on recognizing the signs of heatstroke and the procedure for providing first aid if health deteriorates.

Earlier, Uzhydromet warned that an extremely hot air mass from the south would enter the territory of Uzbekistan from 13 July 2026 to 17 July 2026. According to forecasts, daytime air temperatures will reach plus 41 to 43 degrees, and in northern, southern, and desert areas, up to plus 44 to 46 degrees.

Against the background of the abnormal heat, temporary restrictions have already been introduced in several regions. In Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya regions, the movement of cargo transport is restricted, and in Khorezm and Navoi regions, as well as in Karakalpakstan, the operation of individual kindergartens has been temporarily suspended. Since 15 July 2026, the speed of trains on elevated sections of the Tashkent metro has been reduced from 60 to 40 km/h.