LD calls on employers and employees to take preventive measures during hot weather.

LD reminds employers and employees to take preventive measures against heat stroke in the event of heat stress in the workplace. Warning

​With the Workplace Heat Stress Warning now in effect, the Ministry of Labor (LD) reminds employers and employees to take appropriate measures to prevent heat stroke when working in hot weather or hot environments during the warning period.

Employees working outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor environments are exposed to high levels of heat stress and have a relatively higher risk of heat stroke. Employers should assess the risk factors for heat stress among their employees in the workplace and, based on the identified risk factors, take necessary prevention and control measures, including rescheduling working hours, installing shading facilities, providing ventilation and heat dissipation devices, and reminding employees to replenish water and take rest in a timely manner.

The workplace heat stress warning is formulated by the LD based on the Hong Kong heat index. There are three warning levels: yellow, red and black, which help employers and employees better understand the level of heat stress when working outdoors or indoors without air conditioning.

A spokesperson for the LD said that when the department issues the workplace heat stress warning, employers must follow the criteria and recommendations in the “Guidelines for the Prevention of Workplace Heat Stroke” to conduct risk assessments according to workload and other relevant heat stress risk factors for employees working outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor environments. Where possible, appropriate rest breaks should be provided every hour based on the different levels of the workplace heat stress warning to reduce employees' risk of heat stroke.

Employees must also follow instructions to rest in a timely manner. If symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as headache, dizziness, thirst and nausea occur, they should rest in a cool and shady place, drink water and inform employers/supervisors so that they can take appropriate measures immediately.

The LD has issued the “Guidelines on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work”. It lists the various risk factors that should be considered when conducting heat stress risk assessments and recommends corresponding control measures for identified risk factors for reference by employers and employees. The warning on heat stress at work and the related guidelines can be found on the department's thematic webpage: www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/prevention_of_heat_stroke_at_work.htm.

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CHP reminds public to take precautions against heat stroke in very hot weather

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Ministry of Health (DH) today (11 August) reminded the public, especially those who undertake outdoor activities, to observe the necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn during very hot weather.

“The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration during outdoor activities,” a CHP spokesman said.

“People who engage in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as these accelerate water loss through the urinary tract,” the spokesman explained.

“Infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases such as heart disease or high blood pressure, people who work outdoors or do physical work, and overweight people are more vulnerable to heat stroke. They should be especially careful,” the spokesman added.

The public should take the following precautions:

The public should also pay attention to the latest and forecast ultraviolet (UV) index published by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV index is high (6 or higher):

​If symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, or confusion occur, get rest, get immediate help, and see a doctor as soon as possible.

​The public can obtain further information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), the Heat Stroke and UV page; from the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), the latest weather reports and forecasts, the UV Index and weather information for hiking and mountaineering; and from the Department of Labour press releases on heat stroke precautions for outdoor workers and their employers when the Heat Alert is in effect.

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