TRNC Ministry of Labour orders suspension of work at height on Saturday amid winds of up to 74 km/h

The TRNC Ministry of Labour and Social Security has issued a warning to employers and employees: a storm is expected in Northern Cyprus on Saturday, 29 August, from 12:00 to 17:00, and work that cannot be carried out safely during these hours must be suspended.

The ministry cites data from the TRNC Meteorological Department: winds from the north and west will locally strengthen to 62–74 km/h, while between 21 and 50 kg of precipitation per square metre is expected in inland and eastern areas. Meteorologists had previously warned that weekend temperatures of 37–40 degrees would give way to thunderstorms and a drop of 5–6 degrees; a storm warning has been issued for land areas, with hail and flooding possible.

The ministry identifies outdoor work, work at height, on roofs and scaffolding, as well as work involving cranes and lifting equipment, as being at particular risk. It also specifically highlights dangers related to electricity and the flooding of work areas.

Employers have been instructed to review working conditions during these hours and suspend work if safety cannot be ensured. The ministry advises employees to immediately report hazardous conditions to management without waiting for instructions.

“No work is more important than the safety of our workers’ lives,” the ministry said.