Hong Kong and Taiwan enhance heat stress protections for outdoor workers

Authorities in Hong Kong and Taiwan are implementing measures to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat. In Hong Kong, the Labour Department has revamped its Heat Stress at Work Warning (HSWW) system following criticism that previous alerts failed to reflect record-breaking temperatures. The new system includes two trigger mechanisms: lowering warning thresholds when the Hong Kong Observatory issues an ‘Extremely Hot Weather’ Special Alert, and automatically raising warning levels by one step if temperatures across multiple districts reach 35 degrees Celsius or above.

Despite these updates, the HSWW remains advisory rather than legally binding. Industry representatives in Hong Kong have expressed concerns that while rest periods are necessary, the lack of mandatory work stoppages during black warnings places pressure on subcontractors to balance worker safety against project deadlines and potential delay penalties. Some experts have also called for the adoption of the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) to better account for humidity and radiation.

In Taiwan, the Public Works Bureau is conducting safety training to comply with new occupational safety laws effective July 1. The regulations mandate that employers provide shade, cooling, water, and rest areas to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Failure to comply with these safety standards can result in fines of up to 3 million TWD.