Government to Review Heat Warning System After Record 36.9°C Temperature
RTHK · 3 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago1 MIN
Summary
The Labour Department issued only the lowest-level Yellow heat work warning despite record-breaking temperatures, drawing public criticism. Deputy Secretary for Labour and Welfare Ho Kai-ming addressed media concerns following the extreme heat, announcing a formal review of the current heat warning mechanism. The review will involve cross-departmental collaboration with the Hong Kong Observatory to improve worker protection measures.
Key Points
- Hong Kong Observatory recorded 36.9°C on July 9, the highest temperature since records began
- Labour Department issued only Yellow-level heat work warning, the lowest tier in the system
- Deputy Labour Secretary Ho Kai-ming confirmed the department will review the mechanism with the Observatory
- Temperatures remained extreme on July 10, with some areas reaching 37-38°C; Sheung Shui hit 39.8°C
- Construction workers at Kai Tak and Kwun Tong sites reported using personal fans and flexible rest arrangements
Why It Matters
As climate change intensifies extreme weather events, Hong Kong's outdoor workers face heightened occupational health risks. The review signals potential reforms to heat warning thresholds and worker protection protocols that could affect hundreds of thousands of employees across construction, delivery, and other heat-exposed industries .
As climate change intensifies extreme weather events, Hong Kong's outdoor workers face heightened occupational health risks. The review signals potential reforms to heat warning thresholds and worker protection protocols that could affect hundreds of thousands of employees across construction, delivery, and other heat-exposed industries .