Hong Kong Open to Classifying Heatstroke as Occupational Disease: Labour Chief
SCMP · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong labour authorities have signalled openness to classifying heatstroke as an occupational disease, a move long sought by unions to help affected workers claim compensation more easily. Labour Commissioner Sam Hui Chark-shum made the announcement on Sunday, acknowledging that a revamped heat warning system would have triggered stronger alerts on two exceptionally hot days last month when the city recorded its highest-ever temperature. The development comes after the previous heat stress warning mechanism drew criticism for failing to adequately reflect the severity of conditions faced by outdoor workers.
Key Points
- Labour Commissioner Sam Hui Chark-shum said the department has an open attitude towards adding heatstroke to the list of prescribed occupational diseases
- Retrospective modelling showed the revised Heat Stress at Work Warning system would have issued a black warning on August 8 and a red alert on August 9
- The Hong Kong Observatory recorded 36.9 degrees Celsius at its headquarters on those two days, the highest temperature since records began in 1884
- Under the previous mechanism, only an amber warning was issued on August 9, sparking criticism from lawmakers, unions and meteorologists
- The department revised the warning mechanism on August 28 by adding two triggers to make it more sensitive to extreme temperatures and strong solar radiation
Why It Matters
Classifying heatstroke as an occupational disease would make it easier for affected workers to claim compensation under the Employees Compensation Ordinance, providing crucial protection for outdoor labourers facing increasing extreme heat risks . The labour chief indicated authorities would continue studying the revamped systems performance before the next hot season, suggesting potential further adjustments may be forthcoming .
Classifying heatstroke as an occupational disease would make it easier for affected workers to claim compensation under the Employees Compensation Ordinance, providing crucial protection for outdoor labourers facing increasing extreme heat risks . The labour chief indicated authorities would continue studying the revamped systems performance before the next hot season, suggesting potential further adjustments may be forthcoming .