Ministry of Employment to Inspect Workplace Heatstroke Prevention Measures Ahead of Early Heatwave Forecast

Promotion of 'Heatwave Response Measures for Worker Health Protection' until early September
Self-inspection period granted from June 1 to 21

The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on the 29th that, as this year’s heatwave is expected to start early and summer temperatures are predicted to be higher than average, it will conduct focused guidance and inspections to ensure that workplaces have appropriate heat-related illness prevention measures in place.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration’s announcement on the 23rd, the probability that temperatures from June to August this year will be higher than average is about 40% each month. Furthermore, the recent heatwave period has been advancing, with temporary hot abnormal temperature phenomena expected from June and the full onset of summer heat starting in July.

In response, the Ministry of Employment and Labor will continue to implement the "Heatwave Response Worker Health Protection Measures" from next month through early September. A database of workplaces at risk of heat-related illnesses will be established to facilitate information dissemination and to select workplaces for voluntary inspections. From June 1 to 21, workplaces will be given a voluntary inspection period, followed by focused guidance and inspections until September 8 to verify whether appropriate preventive measures against heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses are being taken.

Employers must conduct preliminary inspections before the full onset of the heatwave, establish preventive measures, and consistently implement them. Outdoor workplaces should adhere to the "water, shade, rest" principle, and indoor workplaces, which are affected by outdoor temperatures, should maintain a certain temperature inside and properly manage periodic ventilation to reduce the perceived temperature felt by workers. The Ministry plans to verify whether these measures are properly implemented during the inspection period. Additionally, the Ministry will provide a quick guide that allows employers and workers to intuitively understand the prevention rules.

Moreover, the Ministry plans to offer customized technical support. It will provide workplaces with portable air conditioners and shade facilities, and supply workers with auxiliary items (cool sets). From July to August, a survey and technical support will be conducted targeting about 100 large logistics centers to identify causes of heat environments and improve conditions.

Ryu Kyung-hee, Director of the Occupational Safety and Health Headquarters, stated, "Taking a short break from work during hot weather is the most important way to prevent heat-related illnesses," and added, "The government will actively support the creation of cool and safe workplace conditions."

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