What Safety Precautions do the World’s Hottest Countries Take?
This article looks at the precautions countries across the world take during times of extremely hot weather – and particularly how they protect workers and vulnerable citizens.
It also mentions the removals services offered by The Moving Partnership.
The article will take around four minutes to read.
The recent heatwave in the UK, and many parts of Europe, has brought into focus the protections that countries provide for their populations during extremely high temperatures. The Moving Partnership, who can help you move home across the world, has been looking at the precautions that other nations – all with much higher average temperatures than the UK – offer.
Free Online Moving Quotes with The Moving Partnership
Whichever part of the world you want to move to, The Moving Partnership can help get you there. This applies whether you want to opt for DIY removals or a comprehensive package including packing and storage. You can kick-start the whole process by receiving a free online moving quote here.
Spain and Italy
International removals to Italy and Spain are a popular choice for many people - particularly retirees from the UK - who may be looking to soak up the sun during their later years. On average, both countries are about 5°C to 10°C hotter than the UK year-round, with the largest temperature differences occurring in the summer.
To look after its citizens, Spain has pioneered a national network of "climate shelters" in public buildings. These air-conditioned spaces provide free drinking water and seating for vulnerable citizens. Barcelona alone features over 400 of these spaces in libraries, sports centres and museums.
Italy has introduced stringent protocols to protect outdoor workers, particularly in construction and agriculture, such as mandatory midday work stoppages during peak temperatures (typically between 11am and 3pm).
Many businesses, primarily across southern Spain and Italy, shift work hours to start very early in the morning and resume late in the evening to avoid the sweltering afternoon sun. Siestas (which translates as ‘nap’ or ‘midday rest’) are an integral part of Spanish culture.
Australia
Another popular destination for migrants, these days, Australia is much more aware of the dangers of extreme heat, and it provides a series of targeted public health warnings. The country is significantly warmer than the UK year-round, with average maximum temperatures about 10°C to 11°C higher in summer and 7°C to 10°C higher in winter.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (the equivalent of the UK’s Met Office) runs a nationwide heatwave forecasting system, alerting authorities and communities to incoming extreme temperatures well in advance. A lot of action is also taken at State level, with many drawing up their own ‘heat action plans’ to protect vulnerable members of the population, including the elderly and the homeless.
If you are thinking of moving home to Australia, there is a duty of care on all employers when it comes to working in extreme heat, although the regulations aren’t as stringent, or as rigidly enforced, as they are in some other countries.
China
China’s daytime temperatures often exceed 30°C (86°F) in major cities like Shanghai and Wuhan. The State implements various national and local measures to protect its citizens and workers during extreme heat, though enforcement and protections can be inconsistent.
The government’s labour protections mean that employers must reduce working hours and intensity when outdoor temperatures reach 35°C (95°F), and if it reaches 40°C (104°F), then outdoor operations must be suspended.
Public cooling facilities are increasingly common. However, if you are considering international removals to China, note that workers in the low-grade and gig economy have reported not receiving their legally mandated high-temperature pay.
The United Arab Emirates
If you are thinking about house removals to the UAE and other Gulf states, then these countries mitigate severe desert temperatures and high humidity (the UAE has an average yearly temperature of just over 28°C or 83°F) by investing in massive district cooling networks rather than relying solely on individual air conditioning units.
There is also a Midday Work Ban in force from June 15 to September 15. This law strictly prohibits outdoor work under direct sunlight and in open-air spaces between 12.30-3 pm. Employers must provide shaded rest areas, cooling devices, and cold drinking water.
Removals with The Moving Partnership
At The Moving Partnership, we can help with moves to Spain, Italy, China, the UAE, Australia and many other countries in Europe and worldwide. For more details on our European removal services, click here, while you can find out more about our international moves by following this link.
FAQS
Q: Could there be any heat issues if you are transporting your possessions in very hot weather?
A: Possibly. Shipping containers can get extremely hot, whether in dock or in transit, so electronics, cosmetics and valuable antiques could all be damaged if the temperatures are particularly high. Make sure your possessions are professionally packed using high-quality materials (at The Moving Partnership we can help with this) or consider sending the items via air freight. Either way, it’s worth talking to us in advance if you have any concerns.
Q: What is the best time of day to schedule delivery in a high-temperature country?
A: If you are arriving in places like southern Spain in August or Dubai in July, moving furniture in the middle of the day could be a problem for both you and the removal crew due to heatstroke risks.
If possible, work with your destination coordinator to arrange a "first-fix" early morning delivery slot to get the heaviest items offloaded before the hottest of the weather. The Moving Partnership works with global networks (like BAR or FAIM accredited partners) who employ local crews accustomed to working safely in extreme local climates, ensuring the offloading process is seamless.
Q: Is the current international situation in the Middle East affecting some moves in 2026?
A: Yes, there are some knock-on effects due to the current conflict involving the USA and Iran. The current situation has been summarised by The British Association of Removers here.
