Italian authorities halt outdoor work as Europe swelters under record-breaking heat
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As Europe swelters under record-breaking heat, with temperatures exceeding 40°C from France to Greece, Italian authorities are taking steps to protect outdoor workers from heat-related illnesses.
In Lombardy, regional president Attilio Fontana has issued an ordinance banning outdoor work between 12:30pm and 4:00pm from 2 July to 15 September in construction sites, quarries, farms, and horticultural businesses. The measure applies only on days when the heat risk level is marked “high” on the official heatmap.
Fontana stressed that the health of workers is the region’s top priority, especially during periods of extreme heat. Urgent and essential public works are exempt from the ban, provided all safety precautions are followed. The ordinance has been shared with local authorities, unions, health agencies and employers to ensure proper implementation.
Lombardy is not alone in taking action. Twelve other regions — including Lazio, Sicily, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany — have introduced similar restrictions. These temporary bans aim to prevent outdoor workers from engaging in strenuous physical activity under the blazing sun. Restrictions vary by region and only come into effect under red-alert heat conditions. Authorities have pledged to monitor the situation closely and adapt measures as needed.
