Concerns Over Worker Heatstroke... Minister of Employment to Guide Field Sites to Avoid Outdoor Work from 2 to 5 PM

Visit to Seoul Construction Site on the 30th

Minister of Employment and Labor An Kyung-duk (third from the left) inspecting safety management at a small construction site near Sejong Special Self-Governing City on the afternoon of the 1st of last month. (Image source=Yonhap News)

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] An Kyung-duk, Minister of Employment and Labor, announced on the 30th that he will continue on-site guidance to suspend outdoor work from 2 to 5 p.m. to prevent heat-related illnesses among workers.

Minister An visited a construction site in Jangchung-dong, Seoul, in the afternoon and said, "The most effective way to prevent heat-related accidents is to take a break when it is hot," emphasizing, "We will continuously guide and inspect sites to ensure that outdoor work does not take place during the hottest hours from 2 to 5 p.m."

He noted that construction sites, where outdoor work is frequent, have a high risk of heat-related illnesses due to the heatwave, and urged workers to strictly follow the three basic rules of providing sufficient water, shade, and rest.

Until the end of next month, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, together with the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, is conducting guidance and inspection activities to suspend work during the hottest hours at about 60,000 workplaces nationwide, including construction sites.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor is also promoting additional measures related to heatwaves in cooperation with relevant ministries.