As the Observatory had issued the very hot weather warning, the Labour Department reminds employers and employees in Hong Kong to take appropriate precautions to prevent heat stroke.

Heat stroke could occur if an employee works in a hot or humid environment for prolonged periods of time, as the body may fail to regulate its temperature by effective heat dissipation through sweating.

The early symptoms of heat stroke include feeling thirsty, fatigue, nausea and headache. Later, the victim may experience shortness of breath, rapid and weak pulse, dizziness, confusion or even loss of consciousness and convulsion.

For example, construction workers, cleaning workers, kitchen workers and porters are more prone to heat stroke when working for long hours in such an environment, especially if appropriate preventive measures have not been taken.

The Labour Department reminds employers to arrange for a suitable assessment of the risk of heat stress in the work environment and take appropriate preventive measures.

The Labour Department has produced two leaflets entitled “Checklist for Heat Stress Assessment at Construction Sites” and “Checklist for Heat Stress Assessment at Outdoor Cleansing Workplaces” respectively.

Employers engaged in construction or outdoor cleaning work is advised to refer to these checklists in assessing the risk of heat stress at their workplaces.

As for heat stress assessment at a workplace in general, employers can refer to a booklet entitled “Risk Assessment for the Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work” produced by the Labour Department.

The Labour Department also reminds employers and employees to take the following precautions to prevent heat stroke:

Employers

(1) Take heed of the weather report and make arrangements for employees to rotate to other worksites within the shift to reduce their exposure to the hot environment, or arrange appropriate rest breaks for them during very hot periods

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(2) Avoid working under direct sunlight and set up temporary sunshade wherever possible.
(3) Provide cool potable water for employees at all times during work. If necessary, provide drinks containing minerals for employees to replenish loss of electrolytes during profuse sweating;
(4) Minimise physical demands by using tools or mechanical aids at work
(5) Increase air flow by enhancing ventilation or air-conditioning as appropriate
(6) Isolate heat-generating facilities at the workplace and use insulating materials to minimise heat dissipation to the other work areas and
(7) Provide relevant information and training for employees on heat stroke such as preventive measures and first aid treatment.

Employees

(1) Wear clothing made of suitable materials (for example, cotton) that is loose-fitting and light-coloured to help heat dissipation, minimise heat absorption and allow sweat evaporation.
(2) Wear a wide-brimmed hat when working outdoors.
(3) Drink plenty of water or other appropriate beverages to replenish the fluids and electrolytes lost through sweating.
(4) Whenever there are any symptoms of heat stroke, inform supervisors and take appropriate actions immediately.

Some employees may have difficulty in adapting to a hot working environment owing to their own health conditions. Employers should take this into account and consider the recommendations of their doctors when assigning work to these employees.

In addition to the publications on risk assessment, the Labour Department has produced a leaflet entitled “Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work in a Hot Environment” for the public.

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