Global Markets
Home›Global Markets›Trade & Tariffs›Hong Kong heat stress alerts face review after record-…
Hong Kong heat stress alerts face review after record-breaking temperatures
Sunday saw Hong Kong hit 36.9 Celsius at the observatory in Tsim Sha Tsui, with a peak of 39.8 Celsius in Sheung Shui, prompting demands to raise protections for outdoor workers.
Hong Kong authorities are facing fresh pressure to revisit the citys heat stress warning system after it stayed at the lowest risk level even as the territory recorded its hottest day since weather records began in 1884, according to SCMP Economy. On Sunday afternoon, the Hong Kong Observatory in Tsim Sha Tsui recorded 36.9 degrees Celsius, while Sheung Shui reached 39.8 degrees Celsius, the highest reading since automatic weather stations were introduced in the 1980s. The article said temperatures climbed to 37 degrees or above in many districts, helped by conditions linked to Severe Typhoon Dolphin. Labour unionists, joined by a leading meteorologist, argued the alert framework is too rigid and has left outdoor workers insufficiently protected. Chau Sze-kit, chairman of the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union, said the heat stress alert effectively undermines the record-breaking temperatures by staying at the lowest amber level, and he pointed to cases where the amber warning was in effect even when site temperatures were already near 40 degrees. Unionists also proposed relaxing the law to recognize heatstroke as a work-related injury, which would allow affected workers to claim compensation, the outlet reported.