Hong Kong open to classifying heatstroke as an occupational disease: labour chief

Hong Kong's labour chief, Sam Hui Chark-shum, has expressed openness to classifying heatstroke as an occupational disease, following the introduction of a revamped heat warning system. This system, featuring three levels - amber, red, and black - was intended to provide more sensitive alerts for extreme temperatures. On August 8 and 9 last month, when temperatures reached an all-time high of 36.9 degrees Celsius, the system would have issued a black warning on the 8th and a red alert on the 9th, according to Hui's retrospective modelling.

The previous system only issued an amber warning on the 9th, leading to criticism from lawmakers, unions, and meteorologists. Hui acknowledged that the department is still studying the performance of the revamped system and considering further adjustments before the next hot season. The labor chief also indicated a willingness to add heatstroke to the city's list of prescribed occupational diseases, a move long demanded by unions to simplify the compensation process for affected workers.

However, Hui stressed that the issuance of a higher heat stress warning alone does not necessitate the suspension of all construction site operations. Employers could maintain work by taking preventive measures like providing cooling stations, ventilated clothing, fans, shade, and rescheduling physically demanding tasks away from the hottest hours.