'20-Minute Rest Every 2 Hours' Now Mandatory, But Almost No Violations Detected [Workers in Crisis] ⑩

This Year, 1,186 Sites Inspected Under New Heatwave Rules
No Violations Detected, Raising Questions About Effectiveness
Experts Call for More Active Government Intervention

Although the Industrial Safety and Health Standards Regulation, which mandates "at least 20 minutes of rest every two hours" starting this year, is currently in effect, it has been confirmed that actual violations have rarely been detected.

After the press conference on the reality of heatwaves held by the Construction Workers' Union of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions in front of the National Policy Planning Committee in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 29th, a participant performed a stunt by pouring ice water over themselves. Photo by Yonhap News

According to data obtained by Asia Economy from the Ministry of Employment and Labor through an information disclosure request on July 31, a total of 1,186 sites had undergone heat-related illness prevention inspections as of July 29 this year. By year, the numbers were 2,382 sites in 2020, 5,625 in 2021, 3,225 in 2022, 4,869 in 2023, and 5,708 in 2024.

An official from the Ministry of Labor stated, "We are still at the initial stage of inspections and supervision," and explained, "Previously, the regulations were mostly advisory in nature, but with the revision of the heatwave rules, we are now aiming to detect violations according to the new standards."

Since July 17, the government has made it mandatory to provide at least 20 minutes of rest every two hours when the perceived temperature is 33 degrees Celsius or higher. Additional measures are required, such as providing 15-minute rest breaks in designated areas every hour when working in conditions of 35 degrees or 38 degrees or higher. Employers must operate cooling and ventilation systems during heatwave work, adjust work schedules, and provide regular rest breaks.

To ensure compliance with the revised regulations at worksites, the government has also announced unannounced guidance and inspections focusing on approximately 4,000 high-risk workplaces for heatwaves. Targeted workplaces include those where cases of heat-related illness (or suspected cases) have occurred, where legal violations have been reported, as well as those in construction, shipbuilding, logistics, and delivery industries, and workplaces employing many migrant workers. For violations of health measures, penalties include imprisonment of up to five years or fines of up to 50 million won, and in the event of a fatality, imprisonment of up to seven years or fines of up to 100 million won. If a serious industrial accident due to heatstroke occurs, work at the site will be suspended and authorities will also investigate whether the Serious Accidents Punishment Act has been violated.

Experts emphasize that, given the rapid increase in heat-related illnesses, more active government intervention is necessary. Choi Myungki, a professor at the Korea Industrial Field Professors Association, said, "It is questionable that more than 1,100 sites have been inspected but almost none have been found in violation. In reality, it seems inspections have not been effective. Many workplaces only allow rest when the Ministry of Labor inspectors are present, so it is important to utilize worker reports and CCTV monitoring. Large corporations generally comply well with the regulations, but at smaller sites, rest breaks are still not being properly observed," he pointed out.

Jeagal Hyunsook, a professor in the Department of Social Welfare at Hanshin University, also stated, "This is no longer just a labor issue but a matter of life," and added, "Even if it may appear to be a formality, the government needs to actively visit both representative and unexpected worksites to create an atmosphere where compliance with the regulations is the norm."