Uzbekistan bans mass outdoor work during extreme heat

Uzbekistan authorities are urging a halt to mass work during the daytime due to extremely high air temperatures and require strict adherence to safety measures. Additional requirements have been introduced regarding how labor processes should be organized in open areas.

Risks and Labor Standards

The State Labor Inspectorate warns that prolonged exposure to strong sunlight is dangerous and can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and serious bodily function impairment. According to sanitary norms and Article 359 of the Labor Code, air temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius are classified as hazardous for performing work outside.

Recommendations for Employers

For this reason, employers are strongly advised to avoid holding hashar events, as well as any other collective activities between 10:00 and 17:00. Instead, all necessary work tasks should be moved to safer hours—either early morning or evening after 17:00.

If postponing work is impossible, a special work regime must be implemented. This regime entails reducing working hours, alternating periods of work and rest, and ensuring personnel have drinking water, shade, necessary protective equipment, and first aid kits.

Monitoring Employee Health

Particular attention must be paid to the health status of employees. If the first signs of discomfort appear, the employee must be immediately removed from work and receive qualified medical assistance. The Inspectorate also reminds that violating established labor protection standards and creating conditions that threaten people's lives and health will result in legal liability under Uzbekistan's legislation.

Furthermore, the critical importance of medical control is emphasized: employees who have not undergone a mandatory medical examination are not allowed to work in hot conditions. Employers are recommended to organize an additional check of their employees' health status.

The State Labor Inspectorate under the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction recommended that employers in Uzbekistan revise working conditions for employees engaged in outdoor work. Enterprises are advised to either reduce or completely suspend such activities during the hottest hours of the day.

Precautions for Workers

The department emphasized that high temperatures increase the risk of heatstroke, sunburn, dehydration, and cardiovascular problems. Compliance with labor protection requirements is a direct obligation of the employer.

Specifically, employers are instructed to decrease the volume of outdoor work or temporarily stop it between 11:00 and 16:00. Heavy physical exertion is also prohibited during this period. Furthermore, workers must be supplied with sufficient drinking water, and shaded and cool areas must be organized for them, ensuring regular breaks.

Occupational Safety Requirements

The Inspectorate also strongly urged against employing individuals who have not undergone the necessary medical examination. For those working outdoors, it is recommended to use breathable clothing and headwear that protects against solar radiation. Employers are obliged to conduct briefings on heatstroke symptoms and procedures for health deterioration, and in case of an incident, immediately provide first aid to the victim.

Weather Conditions and Regional Restrictions

Previously, the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change also issued recommendations for the population during periods of intense heat. Uzhydromet warned about the arrival of very hot air from the south into Uzbekistan between July 13 and 17. During the day, temperatures may rise to +41...+43 degrees Celsius, and in northern, southern, and desert regions—up to +44...+46 degrees Celsius.

Against the backdrop of the heat, additional restrictions were introduced in other sectors. Traffic for freight transport was restricted in the Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya regions, while some kindergartens were temporarily closed in the Khorezm, Navoi, and Karakalpakstan regions. Starting July 15, the speed of trains on Tashkent's elevated metro lines will be reduced from 60 to 40 km/h.