The National Labor Inspectorate has released note no. 5484/2026 with the operational indications for the supervisory activity on the risk linked to heat damage. The document (downloadable at the end of the article) it fits into the framework of the previous inspection notes on the matter and also recalls the provisions of Ministerial Decree no. 95/2025, relating to the Framework Protocol for the adoption of measures to contain work risks linked to climate emergencies in the workplace.
The most exposed sectors: construction, road works and logistics
The note instructs inspectors to pay particular attention, during access in the summer period, to the sectors in which the risk from heat may be more relevant: construction, agriculture, logistics, road works and riders. In these areas, the verification of the measures adopted by the employer to prevent damage from heat and sunstroke must be considered a priority.
For construction companies, coordinators, construction site technicians and employers, the operational message is clear: it is not enough to take note of the high temperatures. It is necessary to demonstrate that you have assessed the risk, organized the work in a manner consistent with the climatic conditions and put in place effective measures to protect the most exposed workers.
DVR, times, breaks and water: what will be checked
During the inspection activity, the integration of the Risk Assessment Document with the specific heat risk and with adequate mitigation measures will first of all be verified. The inspectors will then have to ascertain any remodulation of working hours, for example by bringing the shift forward to dawn or suspending activities during central hours, indicated by the note in the 12:00-16:00 range.
The measures to be monitored also include the effective granting of structured breaks in shaded or cooled areas, the rotation of workers in the most demanding tasks, the availability of fresh water on construction sites or in the fields and the use of light, breathable and covering work clothing. The INL also recalls the need to inform and train workers and supervisors on the symptoms of heat stroke and first aid procedures.
Health surveillance and fragile workers
Another operational point concerns targeted health surveillance. The inspectors will have to ensure the involvement of the competent doctor in identifying any specific requirements or limitations for workers considered “fragile” or in any case more exposed to the effects of the heat.
The note also calls for the involvement of the Workers’ Safety Representatives, RLS or RLST, verifying that they have been consulted as part of the risk assessment. This step is important because the risk from heat does not only concern the availability of devices or water, but the overall organization of work, breaks, shifts and the most demanding activities.
When activities can be suspended
The INL note expressly recalls what has already been clarified in the note prot. n. 5291 of 21 July 2023: the employer, within the scope of the obligations established by the Legislative Decree. 81/2008, must evaluate the adoption of all necessary prevention and protection measures, including the temporary suspension of work activities when climatic conditions cause an unacceptable risk to health and safety.
A similar obligation to intervene also weighs on the person in charge, pursuant to art. 19 of the Legislative Decree. 81/2008, when dangerous conditions emerge during surveillance activities. The resumption of work must therefore be subject to the adoption of the necessary measures to avoid or reduce the risk. Finally, the INL invites the offices to promote information initiatives towards companies and to encourage the use of the project’s forecasting and warning tools Worklimate and other institutional heat risk monitoring systems.
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