Yangsan Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor Inspects Implementation of Worker Protection Measures During Heatwave

First On-Site Inspection of Construction Site Clusters
"At Least a 20-Minute Break Every Two Hours for Work in Temperatures Above 33 Degrees"

The Ministry of Employment and Labor began full enforcement of the revised 'Rules on Occupational Safety and Health Standards' on July 17, aiming to protect the lives and health of workers laboring under heatwave conditions.

The revision newly introduces mandatory provisions to ensure worker safety, such as requiring at least a 20-minute break every two hours when the temperature reaches 33 degrees Celsius or higher during a heatwave.

Accordingly, on July 21, the Yangsan Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor (headed by Kwon Kuhyung) made its first visit to a construction site cluster in Daedong-myeon, Gimhae City since the enforcement of the revision, focusing on inspecting compliance with the 'Five Basic Heatwave Safety Rules' during heatwave-related work.

The Yangsan Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor is inspecting the implementation of safety measures to protect workers during the heatwave. Photo by Ministry of Employment and Labor Yangsan Branch

During the on-site inspection, Branch Head Kwon Kuhyung emphasized, "During heatwave operations, please strictly adhere to the employer's health measures, such as operating cooling or ventilation facilities, adjusting work hours, and providing regular rest breaks."

In line with the revision's enforcement, the Yangsan Branch will fully operate a 'Special Heatwave Safety Task Force' targeting workplaces in Gimhae, Yangsan, and Miryang. The branch plans to strengthen random guidance and inspections, with a particular focus on industries with high outdoor heat exposure risks, such as construction, and will continuously monitor the on-site implementation of the revised rules.

A Ministry of Employment and Labor official stated, "This revision is a minimum measure to prevent heat-related illnesses and fatalities caused by heatwaves," adding, "The attention and cooperation of all workplaces are urgently needed to raise awareness on-site and protect workers' lives."