Sha Tin worker's death raises alarm about heat safety measures for outdoor workers

A construction worker in Sha Tin died yesterday of suspected heat stroke, while the Very Hot Weather Warning was in effect, sparking concerns over heat safety measures for outdoor workers.

In response to the absence of a "Heat Stress at Work Warning" during the incident, Deputy Commissioner for Labour (Occupational Safety and Health) Vincent Fung Hao-yin stated that the department reviewed the issuance criteria with the Hong Kong Observatory last year, stressing that the warning is only a guideline for the entire city instead of a specific district. 

He confirmed that an investigation is underway, with staff deployed to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Emphasizing the warning as a reference, Fung encouraged employers and workers to prioritize precautions to prevent heat stroke and to follow the guidelines while working in scorching weather.

Reports indicated that the deceased, a 42-year-old man surnamed Cheung, started working around 7am yesterday and was responsible for pouring concrete.

Cheung was reportedly working outdoors on the fourth floor of the construction site, and moved to a shaded area to rest after he felt unwell. 

Cheung's colleagues found him collapsed five minutes later and called the police. He was pronounced dead after being rushed to the Prince of Wales Hospital.

Siu Sin-man, chief executive of the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims, who provided emergency support to the family members, suggested that construction sites put thermometers in place to remind workers to drink enough water and implement shift rotations to reduce outdoor exposure.