High temperatures/ Ministry plans measures: Work from home for pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses

The Kosovo Ministry of Health has issued a public call for all public and private institutions to take protective measures for workers and the most sensitive groups of society, due to the high temperatures expected to prevail during the period 3 - 10 July 2025.

Based on the recommendations of the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPHK), the Ministry emphasizes that the heat wave can have serious impacts on the health of citizens, especially children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases. Among those most at risk are workers who exercise activities outdoors or in working conditions where the temperature is high.

"We appeal to all institutions to implement the necessary measures to protect workers from the consequences of extreme heat. Care and responsibility during this period are vital for public health," the Ministry's official announcement states. Health experts recommend, among other things, avoiding direct exposure to the sun during peak hours (10:00 - 17:00), frequent breaks for workers in a cool environment, regular water consumption, and light and light-colored clothing.

The ministry, among other things, calls for the implementation of a flexible schedule so that workers have the opportunity to start work earlier, or even work from home.

The Ministry of Health has warned that it will be in constant contact with the responsible institutions to monitor the situation and ensure that the measures are rigorously implemented.

Otherwise, the National Institute of Public Health has continuously called for increased caution on hot days.

The European continent is experiencing unusually high temperatures, a phenomenon that the UN climate agency said is becoming increasingly frequent due to "human-caused climate change."

The extreme heat wave has engulfed several countries, pushing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius and causing uncertainty for public health and the environment.

List of recommendations:

1.1 To adapt working hours for their employees and, where possible, apply flexible working hours, which means allowing employees to start work earlier in the morning or work from home if possible;

1.2 Pregnant women should be exempted from work during peak heat hours, or work from home;

1.3 People with chronic illnesses and serious health conditions should be allowed to work from home;

1.4 Ensure sufficient ventilation in enclosed workplaces;

1.5 Establish cooling points (using portable tents and other materials to create shade or cooling areas) in open workplaces for workers to cool off and ensure access to cold water for workers;

1.6 Distribute information through information sources to citizens on ways to protect themselves from heat;

1.7 Those engaged in agricultural work should plan to carry out their work early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid exposure to extreme heat;

1.8 Private institutions are also advised to consider these recommendations from the IKSHKP./Monitor