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.
Source: AI-found images
Appointments to Construction Industry Council announced
The Government today (January 16) announced the reappointment of Professor Thomas Ho On-sing as the chairperson of the Construction Industry Council (CIC) for a one-year term, the appointment of six new non-official members, and the reappointment of 10 incumbent non-official members for a two-year term. These appointments, made by the Secretary for Development in accordance with Section 9 of the Construction Industry Council Ordinance (Cap. 587), are published in the Government Gazette today and will take effect from February 1, 2026.
Professor Thomas Ho On-sing, Photo source: FB of Construction Industry Council
The new non-official members are Mr Chau Sze-kit, Mr Paul Lau Siu-wing, Mr Robin Leung Chi-tim, Dr Lo Wai-kwok, Mr Wong Po-cheung, and Mr Yu Wai-wai. The reappointed non-official members are Mr Marvin Chen, Professor Jack Cheng Chin-pang, Mr Victor Cheung Chi-kong, Mr Danny Hung Cheung-shew, Mr Clarence Leung Wai-kin, Mr Simon Liu Sing-pang, Mr Kevin Ma Hok-ming, Mr Lawrence Ng San-wa, Mr Edwin Tong Ka-hung, and Mr Emil Yu Chen-on.
A spokesman for the Development Bureau said, "We welcome the new members and look forward to working closely with the CIC for the continuous development of the construction industry. We also thank the six outgoing members, namely Mr Thomas Ho Kwok-kwan, Mr Kan Jun, Mr Kwok Hing-wun, Mr Ricky Leung Wing-kee, Mr Tse Wang-yu, and Mr Andrew Young Meng-cheung, for their contributions to the CIC and the construction industry."
The CIC is a statutory body established in February 2007 with the mission to forge consensus on long-term strategic issues concerning the construction industry, convey the needs and aspirations of the industry to the Government, and provide a channel for the Government to solicit advice on all construction-related matters. It also collaborates with the industry to launch various training and caring schemes for industry practitioners, including its work in enhancing construction site safety and strengthening training to address the manpower needs.
Membership of the CIC as from February 1, 2026, will be as follows:
Chairperson
---------------
Professor Thomas Ho On-sing
Members
------------
Professor Albert Chan Ping-chuen
Mr Chau Sze-kit
Mr Marvin Chen
Professor Jack Cheng Chin-pang
Mr Victor Cheung Chi-kong
Mr Danny Hung Cheung-shew
Mr Paul Lau Siu-wing
Mr Dominic Law Tik-ko
Mr Robin Leung Chi-tim
Mr Clarence Leung Wai-kin
Mr Simon Liu Sing-pang
Dr Lo Wai-kwok
Mr Kevin Ma Hok-ming
Mr Mow Tai-hing
Mr Lawrence Ng San-wa
Professor Alfred Sit Wing-hang
Mr Edwin Tong Ka-hung
Mr Wong Po-cheung
Mr Rex Wong Siu-han
Mr Emil Yu Chen-on
Mr Yu Wai-wai
Permanent Secretary for Development (Works)
Permanent Secretary for Housing
Director of Buildings
