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Hong Kong unionists push mandatory heatstroke protection for outdoor workers
Union leaders said Hong Kong recorded unprecedented temperatures earlier this month and urged employers to provide fan-cooled jackets that can cost more than HK$1,000 (US$128) each.
Hong Kong labour unionists are calling for employers to be required to provide heatstroke-prevention equipment to outdoor workers during extreme temperatures, after unprecedented heat earlier this month, according to SCMP Economy.
The unions also want heatstroke added to the list of statutory occupational diseases, a change they say would make it easier for workers to claim compensation for work-related cases.
Chau Sze-kit, chairman of the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union, said many workers need fan-cooled jackets and argued the cost, which can exceed HK$1,000 (US$128) per jacket, adds financial pressure on workers.
He said the jackets should be treated like safety helmets and cited workers who described fan-cooled jackets as the most effective personal protective equipment because they can help lower body temperature, SCMP Economy reported.