Yeoju City Distributes Ice Vests to Construction Workers to Combat Heatwave

From Construction Site Inspections to Distribution of Ice Vests
Yeoju City Mobilizes All Efforts Against the Heatwave

As the intense heatwave begins in earnest, Yeoju City in Gyeonggi Province is accelerating efforts to protect construction site workers.

Gyeonggi Yeoju City is distributing ice vests to protect construction site workers as the intense heat wave begins in earnest. Photo by Yeoju City

Recently, Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area have been under continuous heatwave advisories, with some regions forecasted to see daytime highs soar to around 37 degrees Celsius through the weekend. Managing heat-related illnesses has become more important than ever.

In response, Yeoju City swiftly purchased 200 ice vests for outdoor workers and those at city-commissioned construction sites, distributing them to help prevent heat-related illnesses.

Additionally, the Deputy Mayor of Yeoju conducted on-site inspections for heatwave preparedness, emphasizing a work stoppage from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. when the perceived temperature exceeds 35 degrees Celsius, and personally delivered ice vests to workers at the sites.

The main items checked at construction sites during this inspection included: installation of shaded rest areas such as cooling shelters; provision of cold drinks and ice as heatwave prevention supplies; adjustment of work hours to ensure sufficient rest periods; and establishment of emergency response systems, such as preparing measures for dealing with heat-related illnesses.

Furthermore, in August, the city plans to distribute additional personal equipment tailored to each department’s work environment, including ice vests, cooling sleeves, and neck coolers, to prevent heat-related illnesses.

On July 28, Deputy Mayor Jo Jeonga also ordered the following emergency measures to minimize heatwave damage: complete suspension of work from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at construction sites managed by Yeoju City and its affiliated organizations when the perceived temperature exceeds 35 degrees Celsius; continued on-site monitoring and inspection of shaded rest areas at agricultural fields and outdoor workplaces; and postponement or cancellation of local sports events if the ongoing heatwave increases risk.