The Hong Kong Construction Association, which advocates for improving the standards of the city’s construction industry, said shaded areas and cold drinking water are provided for workers.
Cooling clothing, such as caps with flaps at the back to protect the neck from the sun, are also available.
“We have mobile vests with a fan inside, so that when they’re working, they can lower their body temperature and (improve) ventilation inside the construction site,” said the association’s executive director Godfrey Leung.
But a string of excessive heat warnings could potentially delay construction timelines, extending waits for public housing and infrastructure projects.
“The only thing we can do is to provide a predictable rest period so that we can time our own progress. Then we can make it up in the autumn or winter, if the construction period permits,” said Leung.
Registered construction workers also receive vouchers for health checkups.
LESS RELIEF FOR GIG WORKERS
However, low-wage gig workers face a tougher time.
“Some workers may need to work in remote areas, for example, cleaners on the streets or the countryside. They may not receive tangible support from employers, like physical rest stations for those in fixed work locations,” said Terry Wong, a manager at the Hong Kong Red Cross.
The humanitarian organisation sets up mobile rest stations across the city whenever the observatory issues a hot weather advisory.
So far, it has given out 1,100 summer kits to workers this year, more than the 700 that were distributed in 2022.
Each kit consists of a portable fan, electrolyte drinks, a bottle of water, and a handful of vouchers for necessities in supermarkets.
