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Employers and employees reminded to take precautions against heatstroke
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    With the recent very hot weather, the Labour Department reminds employers and employees to take appropriate precautions to prevent heatstroke in a hot or humid work environment.

    Senior Occupational Health Officer, Dr Ng Kwok-po, said, "Heatstroke could occur if an employee works in a hot or humid environment for prolonged periods of time when the body may fail to regulate its temperature by effective heat dissipation through sweating."

    "For example, construction workers or road repair workers, kitchen workers and porters are more prone to have heatstroke when working for long hours in such an environment with no appropriate preventive measures taken," Dr Ng said.

    "The early symptoms of heatstroke include feeling thirsty, fatigue, nausea and headache. Later, the victim may experience shortness of breath, rapid and weak pulse, dizziness, confusion or even loss of consciousness and convulsion," he said.

    Dr Ng reminded employers and employees to take the following precautions to prevent heatstroke:

Employers
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* Take heed of weather reports and arrange for employees to rotate to other worksites within the shift to reduce their exposure to the hot environment, or arrange appropriate rest breaks for them during very hot periods;
* Avoid having employees work under direct sunlight and set up temporary sunshades wherever possible;
* Provide cool potable water for employees at all times during work;
* Minimise physical demands by using tools or mechanical aids at work;
* Increase air flow by enhancing ventilation or air conditioning as appropriate;
* Isolate heat generating facilities at workplaces and use insulating materials to minimise heat dissipation to other work areas; and
* Provide relevant information and training for employees on heatstroke such as preventive measures and first aid treatment.

Employees
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* Wear clothing made of suitable materials (for example, cotton) that is loose-fitting and light-coloured to help heat dissipation, minimise heat absorption and allow sweat evaporation;
* Wear a wide-brimmed hat when working outdoors;
* Drink plenty of water or other appropriate beverages to replenish the fluids and electrolytes lost through sweating; and
* Whenever there are any symptoms of heatstroke, inform supervisors and take appropriate action immediately.

    Dr Ng added that some employees may have difficulties in adapting to a hot working environment owing to their particular health condition. Employers should take this into account and consider doctor's recommendations when assigning work to them.

    The Labour Department has published a leaflet on "Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work in a Hot Environment" for the public. It can be obtained free of charge from the offices of the Occupational Health Service of the Labour Department, or downloaded from the department's web page at www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/oh/heat.pdf.

    The Labour Department organises talks in public places and in its Occupational Safety and Health Centre every month to raise employers¡¦ and employees¡¦ awareness of occupational health. The details of talks on the prevention of heatstroke at work between June and August are as follows:

(1)
Date: June 24, 2008 (Tuesday)
Time: 3.30pm to 5pm
Venue: Lecture Hall of Sheung Wan Civic Centre, 5/F Sheung Wan Municipal Services Building, 345 Queen¡¦s Road Central, Hong Kong

(2)
Date: July 10, 2008 (Thursday)
Time: 9.15am to noon
Venue: Occupational Safety and Health Centre of the Labour Department, 1/F Kwun Tong Jockey Club Health Centre, 457 Kwun Tong Road, Kowloon
 
(3)
Date: July 11, 2008 (Friday)
Time: 2.30pm to 4pm
Venue: Lecture Hall of the Hong Kong Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

(4)
Date: August 7, 2008 (Thursday)
Time: 9.15am to noon
Venue: Occupational Safety and Health Centre of the Labour Department, 1/F Kwun Tong Jockey Club Health Centre, 457 Kwun Tong Road, Kowloon

(5)
Date: August 26, 2008 (Tuesday)
Time: 3.30pm to 5pm
Venue: Cultural Activities Hall of Tuen Mun Town Hall, 3 Tuen Hei Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories

    For enrollment or enquiries about these occupational health talks, please call 2852 4040. 

    The Labour Department also provides outreaching health education services and occupational health nurses will, on invitation, disseminate occupational health information at your workplace at a time convenient to you. Please contact our nursing officer at 2852 4062 for details.  All these health talks are free of charge.

Ends/Monday, June 23, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:30

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