Up to 28 days of exceptionally high temperatures in Greece every year.
Greece’s been dealing with some tough challenges from extreme heat lately. Recent studies mention up to 28 days of severe heat stress every year.
High temperatures, humidity, and harsh sunlight combine to create a risky microclimate for both outdoor and indoor workers. It’s the kind of thing that raises the odds of heat-related illnesses and demands a lot more attention to safety.
To tackle the problem, both technical and organisational fixes are needed. This means things like controlling indoor climate, changing up work schedules, and using gear that helps shield people from the worst of the heat.
Employers really have to put prevention first if they want to keep workers safe as temperatures keep climbing. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about actual well-being.
Hot days per year (forecasts)
Thermal Stress and Worker Protection
Employers have a real duty to protect workers from both heat and cold stress, especially when the weather goes to extremes. Adjusting work hours, offering shaded or cooled breaks, and making sure everyone has water—these aren’t optional anymore.
Thermal strain can hit health and productivity hard. If working conditions get too risky, a medical certificate might be needed for time off or to switch up duties.
Heatwaves and Pregnancy
Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to heat stress. They need extra care, like less time in hot environments and regular check-ups.
Employers should be willing to shift duties during heatwaves or let pregnant workers work from home when possible. It’s just common sense.
Unemployment and Heat Stress
Outdoor and manual workers feel thermal stress the most. When the heat spikes, more people call in sick or follow medical advice to stay home.
This can mess with job security, since some folks might have to take unpaid leave or even stop working for a bit. It’s a tough trade-off between health and income.
Legal Measures and Sanctions
Labour laws are getting stricter about workplace safety during extreme weather. If employers drop the ball on protecting workers from thermal stress, they could face fines or worse.
Labour inspections have become a bigger deal, making sure everyone follows the rules.
Tips for Employers and Workers
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Employers should:
- Keep an eye on weather forecasts and plan ahead.
- Cut down work in direct sunlight during the hottest hours.
- Set up hydration stations and cooling spots.
- Offer flexible hours or telework if the heat’s really bad.
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Workers should:
- Speak up right away if they notice heat stress symptoms.
- Wear protective gear—hats, light clothing, whatever helps.
- Take plenty of breaks in the shade or cooled areas.
- Bring in a medical certificate if the heat makes work impossible.
Impact of Rising Temperatures
Scientific reports using the UTCI index show heat stress risks are climbing all over Greece. The number of days with extreme heat could jump, making it harder—and riskier—to work outside.
That just makes stronger protective measures even more important.
UTCI Range (°C) |
Thermal Stress Level |
Health Risk Description |
|---|---|---|
26 – 32 |
Moderate |
Mild heat discomfort; caution advised |
32 – 38 |
Strong |
Elevated risk of heat-related illnesses |
38 – 46 |
Very Strong |
High danger; heatstroke and severe dehydration |
Above 46 |
Extreme |
Critical risk; life-threatening conditions |
Training and information campaigns can help both employees and employers get a better handle on heat stress risks and how to prevent them. It’s not just theory—real lives are affected.
Cold Stress Considerations
Heat stress gets most of the attention, but cold can be just as nasty. Low temperatures put workers at risk for hypothermia or frostbite, especially if they’re not dressed right.
Protective clothing and real risk assessments are needed to keep cold stress in check.
Monitoring and Reporting
Employers and workers should keep records of exposure to extreme temps and any health incidents. This helps improve safety policies and can back up claims or leave requests related to thermal stress.
Key Takeaways for Employers
- Stay on top of heat warnings and forecasts.
- Jump in early with interventions when heatwaves hit.
- Respect medical advice for employees’ health—seriously.
- Work with labour inspection authorities to make sure everything’s above board.
Employee Rights and Responsibilities
Workers have the right to a safe workplace and can refuse work if conditions are too dangerous from heat or cold. Open communication with employers about symptoms and getting medical advice when needed—it’s just smart.
All this info should help keep workplaces safer as temperatures keep rising. It also helps limit the risks that come with thermal stress, job insecurity, and health worries. Is it perfect? No, but it’s a start.
Effects and precautions due to the heat in Crete
Extreme drought conditions swept through Chania, Heraklion, and Lasithi this June. Locals felt it everywhere—cracked earth, thirsty crops, and that relentless sun.
Authorities scrambled to put together emergency plans. Water restrictions came fast, and not everyone was thrilled about it.
Farmers, in particular, faced tough choices. Some worried about losing entire harvests, while others tried to adapt with new irrigation methods.
Meanwhile, city residents noticed the changes too. Gardens browned, and folks found themselves talking about water almost every day.
Is this the new normal for Crete? Hard to say, but people are definitely paying closer attention now.
A large part of Crete, the Peloponnese, and western Central Greece are facing drought conditions. Areas in Chania, Heraklion, Lasithi, Arcadia, and Argolis are dealing with severe or even extreme drought right now.
These places have been under water stress for a while, which is tough on crops and the natural landscape. The whole thing is starting to feel a bit relentless.
Drought assessment here focuses on soil moisture levels between 28 and 100 centimetres below the surface. That’s the layer most crops rely on for growth and yield.
This zone shows the impact of rainfall, evaporation, and how much water actually soaks in over time. It’s not just about what falls from the sky, but what sticks around for the plants.
The Normalised Soil Moisture Index (SSMI) is the main tool for measuring drought severity. It compares current soil moisture with long-term averages from 1991 to 2020.
Depending on the SSMI, drought is split into five levels:
Level |
Description |
|---|---|
1 |
Mild drought |
2 |
Moderate drought |
3 |
Significant drought |
4 |
Severe drought |
5 |
Extreme drought |
If the SSMI is just a bit negative or positive, soil moisture is basically normal. Really strong positive values mean there’s actually extra water in the soil—though that’s not the case right now.
Drought conditions are hitting agriculture and water management hard. Low soil moisture stunts crop growth, reduces yields, and—if this keeps up—could even cause crop failure.
Farmers and local authorities are watching the situation closely, trying to manage water use and brace for what might come. No one wants to see fields dry up entirely.
The drought stretches across key agricultural zones, especially on Crete. Olives, grapes, veggies—these crops are all at risk.
People in those areas need to act fast, focusing on irrigation and whatever water conservation tricks they’ve got left. It’s a race against time, honestly.
All this is tracked using meteorological and soil data, plus help from European Union services like Copernicus. These technologies dish out near-real-time info on moisture levels.
It’s not perfect, but it helps people make decisions and get early warnings. At least there’s some data to work with.
The drought is a big challenge for southern and central Greece. Satellite data, ground observations, and climate models are all in play to keep track of things.
Farmers, policymakers, water managers—they all need this information to adapt and, hopefully, soften the blow from the ongoing drought. No easy answers, but at least there’s a way to keep tabs on what’s happening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common symptoms of heat strain?
Common symptoms of heat strain include:
- Excessive sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Fatigue and weakness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
Spotting these signs early can really make a difference—don’t ignore them.
What are the guidelines for working in low temperature environments?
Guidelines for cold work usually call for:
- Wearing insulated clothing that actually works
- Taking breaks somewhere warm
- Staying out of the cold as much as possible
- Drinking warm fluids to keep your temperature up
- Watching for signs of hypothermia
- Using tools made for cold conditions
It’s about staying healthy and getting the job done—not much else matters if you’re freezing.
How should heat strain be managed according to Elinyae recommendations?
Elinyae says you should:
- Do heavy work when it’s cooler outside
- Set up shaded rest areas and hydration points
- Rotate tasks to limit time in the heat
- Train workers to spot heat strain symptoms
- Use climate control or ventilation if you can
Following these steps goes a long way in cutting down the risks from extreme heat.
What legislation exists for working during heatwaves?
Heatwave laws typically require:
- Employers to do risk assessments
- Protective measures to cut heat stress
- Shorter work hours or more breaks during high temps
- Penalties for non-compliance, like fines
- Guidelines from labour ministries or safety authorities
These aren’t just rules on paper—they’re meant to keep people safe.
What are the risks associated with high ambient temperatures in the workplace?
High temps at work can lead to:
- Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
- More accidents due to poor focus
- Lower physical and mental performance
- Worsening of existing health issues
Managing these risks isn’t just about following rules—it’s about keeping everyone safe and the place running.
What are the Official Government Gazette (FEK) regulations regarding heatwaves?
The Official Government Gazette (FEK) issues regulations that cover a range of workplace requirements:
- Mandatory protective measures for both outdoor and indoor workplaces.
- There are specific instructions about work-rest cycles during heatwaves.
- Employers have to provide water and cooling facilities—no shortcuts there.
- Procedures are outlined for reporting and handling heat-related incidents.
- Labour inspectorates are responsible for enforcement, and penalties apply if you break the rules.
