Hong Kong needs clearer framework for handling high heat on work sites

Hong Kong faces a pressing need for a clearer framework to manage extreme heat on work sites, as recent criticism of the Heat Stress at Work Warning system has highlighted its inadequacy. Three former directors of the Hong Kong Observatory argue that the internationally recognized Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) could better assess heat risks for outdoor workers.

The current system has been criticized for failing to adequately reflect conditions faced by workers exposed to direct sunlight. While the latest construction contracts acknowledge extreme heat as a reason for project delays, they are linked to the Heat Stress at Work Warning system. This means site managers who believe conditions warrant stronger precautions may face uncertainty if the official trigger is absent.

The Labour Department needs to address what happens when a site manager believes conditions warrant stronger precautions but the official trigger is not met. Similarly, site managers who suspend work due to unsafe conditions could face questions about delays, costs, and contractual entitlement. Experts suggest that site-level WBGT monitoring linked to the Smart Site Safety System could provide transparent and objective data for safety decisions.

While the focus is on construction workers, reforms should also protect other workers exposed to Hong Kong's extreme summer heat. The postal service, Hongkong Post, is also facing financial challenges, having recorded eight consecutive years of losses. The government's recent bailout of HK$4.6 billion is unlikely to solve the underlying issues, and the postal service's declining volume of mail calls for reforms.