[Report] "Swallowing heat in lukewarm water"... Gas meter readers struggle with labor in the heatwave

'Water, Rest, and Shade' Regulations Exist
Gas Inspectors Work Without Breaks
10-Minute Breaks Are Only Recommendations

"It feels like my skin is burning under the sun"

At around 11 a.m. on the 19th, in a residential area of Eungam-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. Kim Yunsook, a gas inspector from Seoul City Gas Gangbuk 4 Customer Center, covered her face with a mask and a sun hat, began to breathe heavily. Sweat droplets were soaking the bridge of her nose above the mask. Although a heatwave advisory was in effect in Seoul that day, Kim had no time to rest as she squeezed between buildings to check gas meters. While inspecting, she stood in the wind from an air conditioner outdoor unit mounted on the building’s exterior wall and closed her eyes tightly, feeling dizzy.

On that day, Kim was responsible for inspecting and checking a total of 300 households. Every month, she alone delivers bills, conducts city gas inspections, and reads meters for 3,600 households. She said, "This is my 18th year as a gas inspector," but added, "I still can’t get used to the heat in July and August."

On the 19th, gas inspector Kim Yunsuk is checking the city gas in a residential area of Eungam-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul.
[Photo by Lee Jieun]

As nationwide scorching heat around 35 degrees Celsius continues, mobile workers such as gas inspectors are facing health risks due to heat labor. The government recommends suspending outdoor work during peak heat hours when the perceived temperature exceeds 33 degrees Celsius and providing 10-minute rest breaks, but these guidelines are often not followed on site.

According to current industrial safety and health standards, employers must provide appropriate rest, water, and shaded areas when workers are exposed to heat. Employers who fail to comply with these preventive measures may face imprisonment of up to five years or fines up to 50 million won.

Moreover, in May, the Ministry of Employment and Labor established a heatwave response plan to protect workers’ health, recommending workplaces take measures according to heatwave levels. For example, when the perceived temperature exceeds 31 degrees Celsius, water, shade, and rest must be provided; when it exceeds 33 degrees Celsius, a 10-minute rest break every hour is required. The plan also includes reducing outdoor work during peak heat hours from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

However, since these measures are only recommendations without enforceability, work continues without breaks or reduced hours on site. In fact, Kim visited about 150 households continuously for two hours from 10 a.m. that day. She explained that gas inspection work is structured so that all designated households must be checked within a specific period, leaving no time for rest.

Even when trying to take a break, there is nowhere suitable to rest. The stairs of villas and building parking lots are Kim’s only resting spots. After inspecting about 60 households, Kim leaned against the exterior wall of a pilotis building, saying, "I will take a short breath."

On the 19th, gas inspector Kim Yunsuk is checking the city gas at a restaurant in Eungam-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul.
[Photo by Lee Jieun]

She overcomes the burning thirst with a bottle of lukewarm water. Kim said, "During the 3 to 4 months of the heatwave period, the company provides 30,000 won for purchasing water," adding, "I want to drink ion beverages when I feel dizzy during work, but I cool down with a cheaper bottle of water," with a bitter smile.

Meanwhile, a Ministry of Employment and Labor official explained regarding heatwave measures for outdoor workers, "The Industrial Safety and Health Standards explicitly state that water, rest, and shade must be provided in relation to heatwaves," adding, "Based on this, guidelines have been prepared recommending stopping outdoor work from 2 p.m. during peak heat hours."