FEHD: No Restrictions on Workers' Reasonable Rest; Violations Will Be Pursued
RTHK · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong's Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has confirmed it will not restrict outdoor cleaning workers' reasonable rest periods during the ongoing hot weather, adhering strictly to the Labour Department's heatstroke prevention guidelines. FEHD Assistant Director Poon Bing-yang stated that the department and its contractors are committed to worker welfare, with 190 solar-powered cooling stations already installed across rural areas. The department warned it will take serious action against any contractors found violating regulations.
Key Points
- FEHD and cleaning service contractors strictly comply with the Labour Department's "Guidelines for Preventing Heat Stroke at Work," without imposing special limits on workers' reasonable rest periods .
- FEHD conducts risk inspections and will pursue serious disciplinary action against any contractors found violating regulations .
- Mosquito extermination staff wearing full protective gear cannot use waist-mounted fans; they receive 15 minutes of rest when the Yellow Hot Weather Warning is in effect .
- The department has installed 190 solar-powered cooling stations equipped with air conditioning, fans, and exhaust fans, with additional solar cooling devices at 29 rest locations and rural refuse stations .
- Front-line workers' uniforms use sweat-wicking, quick-dry, breathable, and UV-resistant materials; contractors must provide sun hats and ice sleeves, replacing damaged items immediately .
Why It Matters
As Hong Kong experiences sustained extreme heat, this announcement provides assurance to thousands of outdoor cleaning workers about their rest entitlements and heat protection measures. The FEHD's commitment to enforcement against non-compliant contractors sets a clear standard for protecting vulnerable workers in one of the city's most demanding outdoor occupations .
As Hong Kong experiences sustained extreme heat, this announcement provides assurance to thousands of outdoor cleaning workers about their rest entitlements and heat protection measures. The FEHD's commitment to enforcement against non-compliant contractors sets a clear standard for protecting vulnerable workers in one of the city's most demanding outdoor occupations .