Calls to add resting areas for outdoor workers

Hong Kong Property Services Alliance has called for the government to establish more resting areas for outdoor workers. This request follows the Labour Department's statement that they are exploring ways to improve the Heat Stress at Work Warning system. Currently, only the lowest amber alert has been issued during recent extreme heatwaves.

Mickey Yan, chairman of the alliance, noted that many street workers only take brief breaks outdoors, often resting in chairs near parks. However, these spots may not provide adequate shade, leaving workers exposed to intense heat. Yan suggested that relocating to indoor shelters far from their work sites may not be feasible, especially during extreme heat.

Li Wing-foo from the Staffs and Workers Union of Hong Kong Civil Airlines echoed these concerns, stating that temperatures in Chek Lap Kok could reach over 40 degrees Celsius during the day and 35 to 36 degrees at night. Urban areas, as well as regions such as Sheung Shui and Yuen Long, could experience significant temperature variations.

To address these issues, Li proposed implementing a dual-track system for heat stress warnings. This would involve issuing a specific indicator for each location when temperatures exceed a certain threshold. Unionist lawmaker Lam Chun-sing further suggested linking the warning directly to the recorded temperature. For example, the amber warning could be issued at 35 degrees, the red warning at 36 degrees, and the black warning at 37 degrees.