Hong Kong’s cleaners don’t have proper protection against effects of tear gas as they pick up pieces after protests
- Survey by Cleaning Workers Union found none had been issued with protective gear
A union representing workers who clean Hong Kong’s streets, public toilets and markets has asked they be provided with protective gear as anti-government violence continues to escalate.
The Cleaning Workers Union also wants rules eased so workers can stop what they are doing without fear of being punished if clashes break out near them.
A survey of 75 cleaners, conducted last month, found that none of them were properly protected from the effects of tear gas, and some complained about eye and respiratory pain after being exposed to the chemical weapon.
Workers polled cleaned near common protest sites in nine districts across the territory, including Causeway Bay, Central, Wan Chai, Sheung Wan, Western, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin, and Tsuen Wan.
Of those interviewed, 53 said they had been exposed to tear gas during work, and some said they had eye pain, or respiratory or skin irritation afterwards.
All of those interviewed said they did not have any protective gear, except for the common surgical masks that are standard issue when cleaning some of the city’s dirtier areas.
