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Explainer | All hot and bothered about Hong Kong’s new heat warning system for workers? Here is what you need to know
- New three-tier warning system relies on heat index that consults data on relative humidity, intensity of sunlight, temperature and hospitalisation rate
- Voluntary measures take into consideration physical intensity of labour being done and outline ideal work-to-rest ratio amid hot weather
Reading Time:4 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Hong Kong will launch a new three-tier warning system from May 15 to reduce the risk of heatstroke among outdoor workers, as well as those indoors without air conditioning and staff in proximity to heat sources.
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The Post takes a look at the city’s Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work and breaks down what readers need to know.
Why were the guidelines launched?
The guidelines were formulated following repeated calls from unions last year for better protections against heatstroke. The city in 2022 experienced its hottest month on record in July, with 25 hot nights and 21 hot days, as well as recording daytime temperatures of 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 Fahrenheit) and above.
During the record heat, the Fire Services Department logged 122 cases of heatstroke linked to outdoor activities during the first three weeks of that month.
The Labour Department has also revealed that prosecution actions involving 19 cases of occupational injuries linked to heatstroke had been initiated last year, with several others still under investigation.
What is the three-tier warning system?
The new measure is a three-colour code system comprising amber, red and black.
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