Over 30% of sanitation workers not informed of heat stress warnings, survey finds

More than 30 percent of sanitation workers are not being notified by their employers when the Labour Department's heat stress warnings are raised, according to a recent survey. The Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions (HKFLU) surveyed 546 sanitation workers between May and July.

When asked if they were informed about the Heat Stress at Work Warning alert, 32 percent of respondents said they were not. This warning system was implemented in May 2023 to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat by mandating regular rest periods. The system includes three alert levels: amber, red, and black, with recommendations for longer breaks during more severe warnings. Workers performing heavy physical labor are advised to suspend work during red or black alerts.

The survey also revealed that approximately 7 percent of workers have experienced heatstroke on the job. The union highlighted that many sanitation workers lack adequate resting facilities. Forty-one percent reported only being able to rest outdoors, while 36 percent could only take breaks in refuse collection stations. Some of these break rooms are in poor condition, with issues like mold and bad smells, and broken air conditioning, leading to temperatures inside that can be hotter than outside.

The HKFLU urged authorities to provide more occupational safety information to workers and to review the existing warning system. They also recommended that employers supply workers with cooling gear like sleeves and hats, and allow them to wear their own appropriate clothing. The Hong Kong Observatory has warned of potentially record-breaking high temperatures this year and next, attributed to climate change and a strong El Niño event.