Result of a collaboration between INAIL (National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work) and CNR (National Research Council), the “Worklimate” digital platform provides a daily assessment of the level of thermal risk to which workers are exposed, using the WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) index.

In order to best assess this risk, certain parameters can be entered on the platform, such as exposure to the sun and the intensity of exertion exerted during work activities. Once these data have been recorded, a map is generated, indicating four levels of risk for workers: green, yellow, orange and red.

Example of a risk assessment by the Worklimate platform for a worker “exposed to the sun” and performing “intense activity” for 4 July 2025:

This tool, initially developed as an experimental prototype in 2023, is now increasingly popular with those involved in workplace safety, to the point of becoming a reference for regional public policies.

Mandatory use in some regions

Although this prevention platform is in principle optional, some regions have decided to make its use compulsory in view of the numerous episodes of high heat experienced at the start of summer:

• Lombardy: until September 15, when the Worklimate platform indicates a high risk, professional activity in the construction, quarrying, agriculture and horticulture sectors is prohibited during the hottest hours (decree);
• Basilicata: until August 31, a decree prohibits agricultural work between 12:30 and 4:00 pm on days when the Worklimate platform indicates a high risk for workers working in the sun (decree);
• Emilia-Romagna: from July 2 to September 15, it is forbidden to work between 12:30 and 4:00 pm in construction, agriculture, horticulture and logistics when the platform indicates a high risk (decree).

At present, 13 out of 20 regions have decided to prohibit outdoor work during the hottest hours in several professional sectors (construction, agriculture, etc.) when the Worklimate platform indicates a high risk for workers.

Useful mapping for employers

In practical terms, by entering the exact location of the workplace on the platform, employers can find out instantly if there is a risk to workers.

Example of mapping generated for the “Rome” location:

The platform can also be used to generate maps showing areas where the forecast for the day is for temperatures equal to or greater than 35 degrees, the threshold above which employers can consider making use of the unemployment-weather scheme.

This scheme, managed by the INPS (National Social Security Institute), concerns many outdoor activities, as well as, exceptionally, those carried out indoors when the workplace “cannot benefit from ventilation or cooling systems due to unforeseeable circumstances beyond the employer’s control” (EUROGIP, 2023).

At national level, a “Framework Protocol for Climate Emergencies in the Workplace” is currently being signed. While this aims to prevent work-related accidents and illnesses linked to extreme weather conditions, it does not generalize a ban on outdoor work based on the data available on the Worklimate platform.

To find out more

Also available in french: « Travail par forte chaleur et canicule : quelles législations et actions de prévention à l’international ? » (EUROGIP, 2023)