Authorities and waste collection - Past working hours due to summer heat
In some offices in Saxony-Anhalt, working hours are made more flexible over the summer months. This allows for an earlier work start to avoid the heat, according to a survey by the German Press Agency among the districts in Saxony-Anhalt. However, not all authorities consider special summer working hours necessary, as they already offer flexible working time models.
Last week, the city of Magdeburg announced that the emptying of garbage trucks would begin as early as 6:00 am. The city reminded residents to take this into consideration when placing their waste containers. The reason being, the high temperatures pose a significant burden for the employees of the waste management plant. Particularly during midday, there is a special health risk associated with heavy physical labor, according to a statement. This regulation will apply until the end of September.
In the Mansfeld-Südharz district, employees of the administration have the option to start work as early as 6:00 am in July and August. In other districts like Harz or the city of Halle, starting work at 6:00 am is possible all year round, according to the administrations. The Salzlandkreis reported that garbage truck drivers can leave as early as 6:30 am. Here, noise protection regulations for residential areas set their own limits. However, on hot days, fresh mineral water will be provided free of charge in addition. In the Salzlandkreis Jobcenter, the flexible working time frame for heat protection has been advanced by half an hour to 6:00 am since mid-June and will apply until the end of August.
- The summer heat in Saxony-Anhalt can make working hours challenging, prompting some offices to consider flexible schedules.
- The commune of Magdeburg, during its summer month, initiates early garbage pickup at 6:00 am to alleviate the impact on waste management employees dealing with the Summer heat.
- In the communal setting of Saxony-Anhalt's Harz district, employees can begin work at 6:00 am every month, not just during the summer.
- According to the Salzlandkreis administration, workers in waste management roles have the option to begin their shift as early as 6:30 am, taking into account residential area noise regulations, and are provided with cool mineral water to combat the summer heat's effects.
- The Health implications of laboring under intense Summer heat in Germany were highlighted by the German Press Agency, urging the necessity of implementing flexible working hours and schedules.
