********************************************************
With the recent very hot weather, the Labour Department has reminded employers and employees to take appropriate precautions to prevent heatstroke in a hot or humid work environment.
Acting Occupational Health Consultant, Dr Ng Kwok-po, said heatstroke could occur if an employee worked in a hot or humid environment for prolonged periods of time and the body failed to regulate its temperature by effective heat dissipation through sweating.
"For example, construction workers or road repairing workers, catering workers in kitchens and porters are at risk of having heatstroke," Dr Ng said.
"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," he said.
Dr Ng reminded employers and employees to take the following precautions to prevent heat stroke:
Employers
---------
* Isolate heat generating facilities at workplace and use insulating materials to minimise heat dissipation to the other work areas;
* Increase air flow by using appropriate ventilation or air conditioning system as appropriate;
* Take heed of weather report and make arrangements for employees, particularly those in construction industry, to rest in a cool or shady place during very hot periods;
* Allow employees to take regular breaks or rotate to other worksites within the shift to reduce their exposure to the hot environment;
* Provide cool potable water for employees at all times during work; and
* Provide relevant information and training for employees on heatstroke such as preventive measures and first aid treatment.
Employees
---------
* Wear clothing made of materials that allow sweat evaporation and heat dissipation, for example cotton clothes;
* Put on loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing to minimise heat absorption and enhance sweat evaporation;
* Wear a wide-brimmed hat when working outdoors; and
* Drink plenty of water or other appropriate beverages to replenish the fluid and electrolytes lost through sweating.
Dr Ng added that 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 leaflet 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/Saturday, July 21, 2007
Issued at HKT 10:01
NNNN
