Government takes action to protect outdoor workers from heat｜Taiwan News

With summer underway, high temperatures are taking a toll, with more than 400 cases of heat-related injury so far this month. To protect outdoor workers, the government has issued guidelines for staying safe in the heat. It also plans to ramp up safety inspections at construction sites and other outdoor workplaces. Violators could be fined up to be NT$150,000.
Under the scorching sun, a public works crew cleans out mud from a drain. With temperatures soaring, workers bundle themselves up to prevent skin injury. It doesn’t take long for their clothes to be soaking with sweat.
Public works employee
My clothes are basically always wet when I’m outside. It’s absolutely certain that they’ll all get soaked in sweat like this. This goes for my pants, and even my socks. Recently temperatures have been too high and a colleague just a few days ago got heat stroke and was rather uncomfortable.
At risk in the scorching heat, workers say all they can do is frequently drink water and take breaks in the shade to cool off. From June 1 to 23, 413 people sought medical treatment for heat-related injuries. To combat heat hazards, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has set up a website aimed at preventing heat-related injuries for outdoor workers. It displays outdoor temperatures in all districts in real time and classifies the heat risks in each with a grading system. It also reminds workers to pay attention to their own bodies and health.
Chang Kuo-ming
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
In addition to general inspections, we will also monitor large-scale construction sites, some specific workplaces. We will oversee them and implement special inspections. If violations are found, we will conduct another inspection within a week. If there is no improvement the second time around, we will impose punishments.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a warning for workers in construction, outdoor ad setups, telephone pole maintenance, and garbage removal. It is urging them to hydrate, to avoid working during the hottest periods of the day, and to take frequent breaks to avoid heat injury. The administration is also promising to expand inspections. If a company violates regulations and does not improve upon a second inspection, the owner of the company can be fined up to NT$150,000.
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