Gov't calls for better protection for vulnerable workers amid heat wave

The government has urged for enhanced protection measures for vulnerable outdoor workers and livestock amidst the current heat wave, even though the most severe alerts have been lifted across the nation. A gathering featuring key ministries and regional authorities, led by the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, reviewed emergency protocols to tackle the extreme heat.

The organization emphasized the need to prioritize the safety of high-risk groups, including migrant workers and elderly farmers. Earlier, the headquarters' chief, Kim Kwang-yong, visited Yesan County, located approximately 100 kilometers south of Seoul, to assess the working conditions for foreign seasonal farmers and evaluate the heat's impact on livestock, following heat-related deaths among foreign workers in Haenam and Hongseong Provinces.

Acknowledging that language barriers pose challenges for foreign workers, Kim urged farm owners to ensure adequate water, shade, and rest for their employees. Officials distributed heat stroke prevention manuals to relevant parties.