Government to Implement Heatwave Health Protection Measures by September 10
Employers to Confirm Heatstroke Prevention Measures in All Guidance, Inspections, and Supervision
Promotion of 3 Key Heatstroke Prevention Rules: Water, Shade, Rest
[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] It has been revealed that 156 workers suffered from heat-related illnesses during the summer months (June to August) over the past five years. Half of the affected workers were employed in the construction industry. One out of every six affected workers died.
Status of heat-related industrial accidents by industry and nationality during summer (June to August) from 2016 to 2020. (Source: Ministry of Employment and Labor)
According to the heat-related illness statistics for June to August over the past five years released by the Ministry of Employment and Labor on the 30th, there were 156 affected workers and 26 deaths (16.6% of the total).
Status of heat-related industrial accidents by industry and nationality during summer (June to August) from 2016 to 2020. (Source: Ministry of Employment and Labor)
By industry, the proportion of affected workers was highest in construction (76 workers, 48.7%), followed by service industries such as environmental cleaning (42 workers, 26.9%). There were also a significant number of affected workers in manufacturing (24 workers, 15.4%), where indoor work is predominant. Among foreign workers, 26 (17%) were affected. Foreign workers affected by other diseases accounted for only 1.4% of the total. This indicates that heat-related illnesses among foreign workers frequently occurred in industries such as construction and manufacturing.
In response, the Ministry of Employment and Labor announced that it will designate the period from next month 1st to September 10th as an intensive guidance and inspection period for preventing heatwave disasters and will implement countermeasures. From now on, in all guidance, inspections, and supervision by the Ministry and the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, employers will be checked to ensure they properly follow heatstroke prevention measures. Promotion of the three major heatstroke prevention rules?water, shade, and rest?will be carried out at workplaces.
Workplace guidance and supervision, dissemination and promotion of the three major heatstroke prevention rules (water, shade, rest), and transmission of heatwave warnings and worker health management through private disaster prevention organizations, safety and health specialized institutions, and local governments will be implemented. Focused promotion of the three major heatstroke prevention rules will be conducted through radio broadcasts during commuting hours, 40 industrial safety electronic billboards nationwide, and TV campaigns in the metropolitan area.
Collaboration with 160 construction disaster prevention specialized institutions will strengthen management in the construction industry, and through 267 safety and health management specialized institutions, health management for workers in various industries will be enhanced. Heatwave warning situations will be immediately transmitted via social networking services (SNS) of safety and health managers. Cooperation with local governments will ensure health protection measures for workers engaged in outdoor public work and local government-commissioned construction projects.
Kim Gyuseok, Director of the Industrial Accident Prevention and Compensation Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Employment and Labor, said, "Heatwaves are extremely dangerous harmful factors that can lead workers to death," and urged, "Employers should constantly check for heatwave warnings, monitor the health conditions of workers wearing masks, and ensure compliance with the three major prevention rules so that workers can work safely and healthily during the summer."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
