In the Heatwave, Hong Taeyong, Mayor of Gimhae, Takes a Stand with a Letter to 579 Construction Companies: "Heat-Related Illnesses Are Also Industrial Accidents"

On the 4th, Hong Taeyong, mayor of Gimhae City, Gyeongnam, sent a letter urging 579 construction companies in the Gimhae area to prevent heat-related illnesses.

The reason Mayor Hong took up his pen was to appeal for compliance with prevention guidelines at construction sites, as heat-related illness patients, including deaths from heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps, are rapidly increasing nationwide with symptoms such as dizziness, fever, and vomiting.

On this day, Mayor Hong’s letter was mailed to 170 general construction companies and 409 specialized construction companies in the Gimhae area. It was also posted on the city’s official social networking services (SNS) such as Facebook, Instagram, and KakaoStory.

A letter from Hong Tae-yong, Mayor of Gimhae City, Gyeongnam, to local construction companies.

In the letter, Mayor Hong stated, “Due to recent abnormal climate, the average summer temperature is rising, and the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are increasing.” He added, “The Serious Accident Punishment Act, which has been in effect since January 27, 2022, defines occupational diseases such as heatstroke occurring in places exposed to heatwaves as serious industrial accidents.”

He continued, “Heat-related illness prevention activities are fundamental to responding to serious accidents,” and urged, “Please make every effort to prevent safety accidents at construction sites caused by heatwaves.”

Mayor Hong requested adherence to the so-called ‘Heatwave Rest System,’ including ▲avoiding long hours of outdoor work during heatwave warnings ▲conducting outdoor work outside of 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. ▲following basic rules to prevent heatstroke.

He appealed, “The ability to prevent unexpected disasters has become a competitive advantage for companies,” and urged, “Please actively strive to create a safe industrial environment during the summer.”

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