Heatwave Illnesses Surge in South Korea; Calls Grow for Enforceable Work Stoppages

South Korea is grappling with a sharp rise in heat-related occupational illnesses, with approved industrial accident cases jumping 3.3 times to 77 in the past year compared to 23 in 2022. Tragically, 20 workers have died from heatstroke or heat exhaustion between 2022 and mid-2026, highlighting a growing crisis amid record-breaking temperatures.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor has issued guidelines recommending work stoppages based on perceived temperatures. During a heatwave advisory (above 33°C), work hours are adjusted or outdoor work reduced. Under a heatwave warning (above 35°C), outdoor work is to cease during peak heat hours (2-5 p.m.). For severe heatwave alerts (above 38°C), all outdoor work except for emergencies is advised to stop.

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The actual measures are recommendations, and there is a lack of a management system to check if they are being properly implemented on site.

However, critics argue these recommendations lack teeth. Park Hae-cheol, a lawmaker, pointed out the "insufficient management system" to verify actual implementation on the ground. In contrast, EU nations like Italy enforce outright bans on outdoor labor during midday heatwaves, while Greece and Spain also mandate work stoppages or reduced hours for various outdoor professions. Employers in these countries face substantial fines, reaching up to 100,000 euros for fatalities, underscoring a stricter approach to worker safety during extreme heat.

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We need to establish effective measures that can protect workers' lives and safety by specifying guidelines and procedures to check and inspect whether these recommendations are being followed, rather than just making recommendations.