"Protecting Agricultural Workers from the Heatwave"...Rural Development Administration Mobilizes Full Efforts to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses

Pilot Application of Cooling Vests and Smart Watches
Multilingual Guides to Protect Foreign Workers
Integrated Response System with KDCA, KMA, Ministry of Employment and Labor, and Private Companies in Full Operation

The ongoing heatwave is posing a serious threat to safety in rural areas. In particular, rural regions with a high proportion of elderly residents are extremely vulnerable to high summer temperatures. The Rural Development Administration (RDA) is operating a nationwide response system and making every effort to prevent heat-related illnesses among agricultural workers.

According to the RDA on July 17, as of July 13, there were 1,566 cases of heat-related illness nationwide, with 9 deaths. Of these, 271 cases involved agricultural workers, accounting for 17.3% of the total, and 4 agricultural workers died, clearly revealing the structural vulnerabilities in rural areas. The RDA stated, "The high proportion of agricultural workers affected by the heatwave from the outset signals the need for fundamental reinforcement of our response."

In response, the RDA has established the "2025 Summer Agricultural Worker Heat-Related Illness Prevention Measures" and has been operating a heatwave response system since May. In cooperation with city and county Agricultural Technology Centers, disaster response situation rooms are being operated, and guidelines for heatwave preparedness and prevention measures are being continuously distributed to farms in each region.

The core of this year's measures is "on-site, hands-on prevention." The RDA has produced a "Heat-Related Illness Prevention Guide" and a "Self-Inspection Checklist" in nine languages (including Korean, English, and Vietnamese) so that foreign seasonal workers can easily use them. These materials are being used as educational resources at 165 local technology centers nationwide.

Technical support has also been ramped up. The "air-cooled vest" developed by the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences is a device that circulates outside air through cooling tubes to lower body temperature. It is currently being piloted with about 209 agricultural workers in 20 regions nationwide. When worn, the vest reduces the internal temperature of clothing by an average of 13.8% and humidity by 24.8%. It has also been proven effective in reducing worker fatigue by suppressing increases in heart rate and decreasing sweat output.

In addition to the cooling vest, the RDA is accelerating the development of a "Heat-Related Illness Risk Alert Watch." This smart device analyzes the user's physical activity, heart rate, GPS location, and weather data in real time to provide warnings and rest alerts during heatwaves. After field testing in 2026, the device is scheduled for distribution starting in 2027.

This response is supported by data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). The RDA analyzes weekly statistics on heat-related illnesses at the city and county level based on the KDCA's emergency room surveillance data and shares them nationwide. In collaboration with the KMA, the "Agricultural Worker Safety 365" website provides a perceived temperature calculator and heatwave impact forecasts.

Institutional support has also been strengthened. With the revision of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers are now required to implement measures such as providing air conditioning, rest areas, and thermometers for work during heatwaves. For agricultural workplaces enrolled in industrial accident insurance, support such as the distribution of portable cooling equipment is being expanded in cooperation with the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

Additionally, the RDA signed a memorandum of understanding with Dong-A Otsuka and the Korean Red Cross last year and is continuing heatwave prevention campaigns and supply support with these partners this year. An RDA official explained, "When the brand power of private companies is combined with the institutional support of government agencies, more tangible results can be achieved."

Kwon Chulhee, Director General of Rural Support, stated, "Responding to heatwaves must go beyond simple guidance and transition into a sustainable system that integrates technology, policy, and education," and added, "We will move toward a digital-based safety management system to protect the lives of agricultural workers in the era of climate crisis."