Hong Kong set to revamp its heat stress warning system by end of August
Authorities plan to improve the framework after record-breaking temperatures failed to trigger higher alerts
The Hong Kong government plans to revamp its Heat Stress at Work Warning system by the end of August in response to widespread criticism that the current alert framework is ineffective during extreme heat events. This decision follows a record-breaking heatwave in August where temperatures reached up to 39.8 degrees Celsius, yet the system remained at its lowest level, Amber, which indicates minimal risk.
Former Observatory director Lam Chiu-ying criticized the system for being "decorative" as even extreme temperatures failed to trigger higher alert levels. The Labour Department's current three-tiered system, designed to protect outdoor workers, calculates heat stress based on air temperature, humidity, wind, and solar radiation, but the higher Red and Black warnings have never been triggered since its introduction three years ago due to an overemphasis on relative humidity.
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun and Commissioner for Labour Sam Hui have confirmed officials are collaborating with the Hong Kong Observatory to adjust trigger thresholds and refine parameter sensitivity, aiming to lower the bar for escalating alerts by the end of August. Despite the improved system, enforcement remains advisory, leaving actual compliance to the discretion of employers, which could limit the tangible benefits of the revamp.
Written by urgent.news from Time Out Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
