Hong Kong labour unions call for mandatory heatstroke-prevention equipment

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Hong Kong labour unionists called for employers to be mandated to provide outdoor workers with heatstroke-prevention equipment, specifically highlighting fan-cooled jackets that cost over HK$1,000 (US$128) each. Chau Sze-kit, chairman of the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union, stated that these jackets were the most effective personal protective equipment for lowering body temperatures. The unionists further requested that heatstroke be added to the list of statutory occupational diseases to facilitate workers' compensation claims. These demands followed the recording of unprecedented temperatures in the city earlier this month.

Consequences

If the government adopts these proposals, employers may face increased operational costs to provide mandated safety equipment. Additionally, the classification of heatstroke as a statutory occupational disease would shift the administrative and financial burden of work-related heat illness compensation toward employers.

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