LD reminds employers and employees to take heat stroke preventive measures in times of Heat Stress at Work Warning
As the Heat Stress at Work Warning is now in effect, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and employees to take appropriate measures during the effective period of the warning to prevent heat stroke when working in hot weather or hot environments.
Employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor environments face high levels of heat stress and are at a relatively higher risk of heat stroke. Employers should assess the risk factors of heat stress for employees at work and, based on the identified risk factors, take necessary preventive and control measures, including rescheduling work periods, setting up shading covers, providing ventilation and heat dissipation equipment, and reminding employees to replenish water and rest in a timely manner.
The Heat Stress at Work Warning is formulated by the LD based on the Hong Kong Heat Index. There are three levels of the warning: Amber, Red and Black, which help employers and employees better understand the level of heat stress while working outdoors or indoors without air-conditioning systems.
A spokesman for the LD said that when the department issues the Heat Stress at Work Warning, employers must refer to the criteria and recommendations provided in the "Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work" to conduct risk assessments, according to the workloads and other relevant heat stress risk factors, for employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor workplaces. Appropriate rest breaks should be arranged every hour, as far as reasonably practicable, based on various levels of the Heat Stress at Work Warning, to reduce employees' risk of heat stroke.
Employees must also follow instructions to rest on time. Whenever there are any symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as headache, dizziness, thirst, and nausea, they should rest in a cool and shady place, drink water, and inform employers/supervisors to take appropriate action immediately.
The LD issued the "Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work", detailing the various risk factors that should be considered when conducting heat stress risk assessments and recommending corresponding control measures for identified risk factors for employers' and employees' reference. For the Heat Stress at Work Warning and related guidelines, please refer to the department's thematic webpage: www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/prevention_of_heat_stroke_at_work.htm.
CAS holds Celebrating the National Day and Exploring the Past: Yuen Tun Chung Old House Museum Open Day
The Civil Aid Service (CAS) held the Celebrating the National Day and Exploring the Past: Yuen Tun Chung Old House Museum Open Day at the CAS Yuen Tun Camp today (September 18). The event was officiated by the District Officer (Tsuen Wan), Mr Billy Au, and the Chairman of the Tsuen Wan Rural Committee, Mr Yau Kam-ping.
Located in Yuen Tun Tsuen, Tsing Lung Tau, Tsuen Wan, the history of Chung Old House can be traced back to the 1780s, when the Chung family used to live and farm in the area of Yuen Tun. In 1973, the Yuen Tung site was allocated by the Government to the CAS and has been used for training purposes since then. The Chung Old House was revitalised as a national museum in 1981, and was classified as a Grade 3 historic building in 2010. At present, the Chung Old House still possesses its original architectural features, and retains a collection of agricultural and household artefacts.
In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the CAS held an open day for the public to visit the Chung Old House to deepen their understanding of the local history and reflect on how Chinese culture could be preserved in modern society. More than 200 Tsuen Wan residents, retired CAS members and CAS cadets participated in the event, during which the CAS Volunteer Team provided assistance.
Addressing the event, Mr Au said it is a meaningful occasion for the public not only to celebrate the National Day, but also explore the roots of the nation and learn more about its history and culture so that the tradition can be preserved and thrive. He encouraged the public to preserve and cherish the precious cultural heritage together.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Staff Officer of the CAS, Mr Leung Kwun-hong, said the CAS Yuen Tun Camp built in 1977 has been a vital training facility and an important cradle for future CAS talent and Hong Kong society. He said that the CAS hopes to promote national spirit through the appreciation of historical buildings and cultural legacies during the Open Day.
CAS holds Celebrating the National Day and Exploring the Past: Yuen Tun Chung Old House Museum Open Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CAS holds Celebrating the National Day and Exploring the Past: Yuen Tun Chung Old House Museum Open Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CAS holds Celebrating the National Day and Exploring the Past: Yuen Tun Chung Old House Museum Open Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CAS holds Celebrating the National Day and Exploring the Past: Yuen Tun Chung Old House Museum Open Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CAS holds Celebrating the National Day and Exploring the Past: Yuen Tun Chung Old House Museum Open Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
