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

Seoul, August 9 - The government has urged stronger safeguards for vulnerable outdoor laborers and livestock amid an ongoing heat wave, even though the most severe alerts have been lifted across the nation. At a meeting with related ministries and regional authorities, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters assessed emergency measures for combating extreme heat. The organization urged all interagency response teams to prioritize protecting at-risk groups, including migrant workers and elderly farmers.

Earlier, Kim Kwang-yong, the headquarters chief, toured Yesan County, around 100 kilometers south of Seoul, to assess conditions for foreign seasonal laborers and evaluate heat's impact on livestock, following heat-related fatalities in Haenam and Hongseong Provinces. Given the language barriers that leave foreign workers in safety blind spots, Kim urged farm owners to provide ample water, shade, and rest for their workers.

Heat stroke prevention manuals were distributed in 18 languages, alongside cooling supplies. Kim also inspected swine farms' ventilation and cooling systems.

Government ministries escalated their emergency response protocols. The agriculture ministry transformed its disaster situation room into an emergency hub and intensified drone and vehicle patrols over farms. The health ministry established a 24-hour emergency response team to monitor high-risk elderly citizens. The labor ministry plans to conduct thorough inspections through Friday in heat-vulnerable workplaces, such as construction sites, and enforce mandatory work halts during peak temperatures.

On Sunday, the highest heat wave warning was withdrawn nationwide, though some areas still experienced near 35°C temperatures. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 203 new heat-related illnesses on Sunday, raising the total to 3,090, with three more deaths attributed to such illnesses. The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts daily highs will hover around 35°C in most parts of the country in the near future.