Editorial | Hong Kong officials feel heat on outdoor work rules

People working in air-conditioned offices may not readily feel the heat of those who toil under the blazing sun in summer. It appears to be the case with Hong Kong bureaucrats, whose guidelines on the prevention of heatstroke at work have been widely criticised by various industries as impractical and difficult to follow.

With many outdoor workers having to cope with unbearably high temperatures and humidity every day, officials must not sit on a review for too long.

Adding to the urgency for action is a survey that shows official heat stress warnings were largely ignored by some cleaning workers. Of the 96 respondents polled by the Concern for Grassroots’ Livelihood Alliance at 11 refuse collection points last month, only 18.8 per cent fully followed the guidelines.

While some said they were unaware of the details, others chose to continue working because they still had to finish their tasks anyway or there was a lack of resting locations. It may be argued that findings would be different if more cleaning workers and their employers were included.

It nonetheless provides a snapshot of the situation in the industry.