Geneva to ban outdoor work after 1 p.m. due to heatwave

Geneva is set to reimpose restrictions on outdoor work exposed to direct sunlight, banning such activities after 1 p.m. from Monday to Wednesday next week. The measure comes as the region braces for another bout of extreme heat, with temperatures forecast to climb as high as 37°C (98.6°F) according to MétéoSuisse.

For workers in public order and security, a strict schedule of 15 minutes of work followed by 45 minutes of rest will be enforced. Any exceptions to the afternoon ban require a protection plan approved by the cantonal Office for Inspection and Labor Relations (OCIRT). This measure is a repeat of a similar directive that was in place between June 25 and 28.

Activities scheduled before 1 p.m. or after 1 p.m. but in the shade must still adhere to health and safety regulations, including mandatory breaks. Meanwhile, public and inter-professional trade unions (SSP and SIT) have voiced strong criticism regarding the conditions for both patients and staff at several sites within the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), describing the situation as "appalling."

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It's just appalling.