The Hong Kong Observatory issued its first “very hot weather” warning in late May, with a 32 degrees Celsiu temperature. With the significant long-term increasing temperature trend, the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke has become a growing concern, especially for the summer in Hong Kong, where is hot and humid. Hence, The Labour Department introduced the Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work and Heat Stress at Work Warning in May 2023. The following are some details of the guidance.

Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work

1. Introduction

The guidance aims to assist employers in formulating preventive and control measures to reduce the risk of heatstroke that employees face in hot environments. Moreover, to enhance the understanding of employers and staff regarding the level of heat stress in outdoor or indoor working environments without air-conditioning under hot weather, the department will introduce three levels of the Heat Stress at Work Warning. These warning levels, namely amber, red, and black, indicate that the heat stress in certain working environments is high, very high, and extremely high, respectively. In addition, the department reminds citizens that since the nature and requirements of different industries and job positions vary, employers and employees should make reference to the guidance notes in advance. They should also adopt a risk-based and consultative approach to devise reasonable and mutually acceptable work-rest schedules under different levels of the Heat Stress at Work Warning.

2. General Recognition of the Symptoms of  Heat-Related Illness

1. Overall feeling

  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Thirsty
  • Nausea (feel like vomiting)

2. Overall appearance

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fatigue and weakness

3. First Aid Treatment for Heat-Related Illness

Providing initial first aid treatment to patient is crucial as heat stroke can develop and worsen rapidly. Cooling down the patient should be given top priority until their condition improves or the ambulance arrives.

Management

  • Immediately notify the supervisor, act according to the organization’s established emergency response plan, and seek help from colleagues and medical personnel
  • Move the affected worker to a shaded, cool and well-ventilated place to sit or lie down as soon as possible
  • Assess the consciousness of the affected worker for appropriate first aid treatment

4. Preventive and Control Measures

    1. Supply Cool Drinking Water

      The responsible person should take initiative to provide cool drinking water to employees based on the actual situation. In general, employers should provide employees with about 250 ml to 500 ml of drinking water per hour.

    2. Reduce Heat Absorption

      After assessing the potential risk of heat, employers should develop effective measures to reduce heat absorption based on the actual situation. For instance, installing appropriate mechanical devices, providing personal protective equipment to employees and shade or sun-blocking cover to block the sunlight for outdoor working.

    3. Increase Heat Dissipation

      Air conditioning system can reduce the temperature and humidity of the environment, helping employees in heat dissipation and reducing heat stress. Besides, employees should wear light-coloured, thin, and loose-fitting clothing as far as possible when working in hot environments.

    4. Reduce Physical Exertion

      Employers should provide suitable mechanical aids (such as hand trucks, pallet jacks, lifting devices, etc.) for employees to use, or instruct employees to take other appropriate measures (such as team lifting) to minimize physical exertion, thereby reducing heat stress.

    5. Arrange heat Acclimatization

      This period allows employees to gradually adapt to the hot work environment and their body’s responses, and make corresponding physiological adjustments.

    6. Arrange Working Hours

      In hot summer days, employers should schedule outdoor and physically demanding work to cooler daytime periods as far as reasonably practicable.

    7. Arrange Rest Time and Place

      employers should provide rest breaks for employees to recuperate, drink water and cool down their body, whenever reasonably practicable. For instance, offering a least of a 10 minute and 15 minutes rest break after every 2 hours of light to moderate levels and heavy to very heavy levels of physical work respectively.

Conclusion

It is important for employers to take steps to prevent heat stroke among their employees. Furthermore, to compensate the employee who sustains an injury or dies from an accident arisen out of his/her employment, employers are obliged to take out the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance (ECI) policies for its employees.

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