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Acting Occupational Health Consultant, Dr Ng Kwok-po, of the Labour Department today (July 25) appealed again to all employers and employers to take appropriate precautions against heatstroke at work in a hot environment.
In particular, employers should, as far as possible, provide temporary sunshade, adequate potable water and appropriate rest breaks for their employees working outdoors, Dr Ng said.
All workers who are required to work in a hot environment, whether outdoors or indoors, are at risk of having heatstroke if appropriate preventive measures are not taken. This is especially apt for construction workers or road repairing workers, laundry workers, catering workers in kitchens and porters. Those engaged in these occupations for the first time are more vulnerable because their bodies have not yet adapted to the hot working environment.
The early symptoms of heatstroke include feeling thirsty, fatigue, nausea and headache. Later, the victim may have shortness of breath, rapid and weak pulse, dizziness, confusion or even loss of consciousness and convulsion.
Employers and employees should take the following precautions to prevent heatstroke:
Employers
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(1) Take heed of weather report and make arrangements for employees, particularly those in the construction industry, to have appropriate rest breaks in a cool or shady place during very hot periods;
(2) Avoid working under direct sunlight and set up temporary sunshade wherever possible;
(3) Allow employees to rotate to other worksites within the shift to reduce their exposure to the hot environment;
(4) Provide cool potable water for employees at all times during work;
(5) Minimise physical demand by using mechanical aids at work;
(6) Increase air flow by enhancing ventilation or air conditioning system as appropriate;
(7) Isolate heat generating facilities at workplace and use insulating materials to minimise heat dissipation to the other work areas; and
(8) Provide relevant information and training for employees on heatstroke such as preventive measures and first aid treatment.
Employees
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(1) Wear clothing made of materials that allow sweat evaporation and heat dissipation, for example cotton clothes;
(2) Put on loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing to minimise heat absorption and enhance sweat evaporation;
(3) Wear a wide-brimmed hat when working outdoors; and
(4) Drink plenty of water or other appropriate beverages to replenish the fluid and electrolytes lost through sweating.
Some employees may have difficulties in adapting to hot working environment owing to their own health condition. Employers should take this into account and consider their doctor's recommendations when assigning work to them.
The Labour Department has published a pamphlet on "Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work in a Hot Environment" for the public. It can be obtained free from the offices of the Occupational Health Service of the Labour Department, or downloaded from the Department's web page at http://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/oh/heat.pdf.
Ends/Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:40
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