KOSHA Takes Action to Support Workplaces Vulnerable to Heatwaves

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] The Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) is stepping up support to prevent accidents among workers vulnerable to heatwaves at workplaces such as construction sites. This year, the number of heatwave days is expected to be longer than average, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, workers often have to wear masks while working, increasing the likelihood of heat-related illnesses compared to previous years.

According to industrial accident statistics on the 23rd, 153 cases of heat-related illnesses linked to heatwaves have occurred over the past five years, with 27 fatalities. In particular, the construction industry, which involves a lot of outdoor work, recorded the highest number of 77 cases and 19 deaths. However, the number of accidents and fatalities has been decreasing recently, dropping from 65 cases (12 deaths) in 2018 to 22 cases (3 deaths) last year.

To prevent related damages this year, KOSHA will distribute a heat illness prevention set (KOSHA Cool Kit), consisting of three items: cool sleeves, cool scarves, and ventilated helmet liners, along with on-site technical guidance to workers at small construction sites with project sizes under 5 billion KRW. Additionally, for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, if they purchase 'portable air conditioners' or 'construction site shade tents,' KOSHA will support up to 70% of the purchase cost, capped at 20 million KRW.

Furthermore, from July to the end of August, during the peak heat period, nurses will directly visit construction sites to check workers' health status through a 'mobile health consultation' service. This service involves nurses from KOSHA’s 23 nationwide Worker Health Centers visiting construction sites with projects under 5 billion KRW to provide health consultations.

Alongside this, KOSHA has presented the three basic heatstroke prevention rules: 'Water, Shade, Rest,' and provided guidelines for responses according to heatwave stages. In addition to common measures such as providing sufficient water and shaded areas at industrial sites, when the apparent temperature rises above 31°C, sensitive groups to heat-related illnesses should be identified in advance. If a heatwave advisory of 33°C or higher lasts for two or more days, workers should rest in the shade for 10 minutes every hour, and outdoor work during peak heat hours (14:00?17:00) should be shortened or rescheduled. Sensitive groups should be given additional rest time.

When a heatwave warning is issued with temperatures of 35°C or higher lasting for two or more days, workers should rest in the shade for 15 minutes every hour, and outdoor work during peak heat hours should be suspended except in unavoidable cases. For dangerous heatwaves with apparent temperatures rising above 38°C, all outdoor work except emergency tasks must be stopped during peak heat hours.

A KOSHA official stated, "This summer is expected to have more heatwave days than usual, and special attention to safety is required due to COVID-19," adding, "Employers need to pay close attention and show consideration to ensure the implementation of the three basic heatstroke prevention rules: water, shade, and rest."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.