DH reminds public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses during very hot weather
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 23) reminded members of the public to take appropriate precautions against heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke during very hot weather.
In a high-temperature environment, excessive sweating and difficulty in heat dissipation can cause stress to the body. Members of the public should take the following precautions:
Hydrate in a timely manner to prevent dehydration;
Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting and breathable clothing to minimise heat absorption and facilitate perspiration and heat dissipation;
Keep the room well ventilated, e.g. by opening windows;
Avoid strenuous exercise and prolonged activities such as hiking or trekking;
Arrange outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible, and bring enough water; and
Avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcoholic beverages, which may speed up water loss through the urinary system.
In addition, infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and overweight people are more susceptible to heat stroke. These groups should pay special attention to the following:
Avoid taking infants and young children outside when the temperature is high. If they must go outside, adults should ensure they stay in places with moderate temperatures and good ventilation or air-conditioning. Infants and young children should never be left unattended in a confined space such as a vehicle;
The elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses or overweight people should pay close attention to their health. They should seek help as soon as possible if they experience any abnormalities in health indicators such as blood pressure, heart rate, etc or if there are fluctuations in their health conditions. Avoid going out when the temperature is high. Make sure there is good ventilation, or turn on a fan or air-conditioner to keep an appropriate temperature indoors. High temperatures can also worsen the condition of people with chronic illnesses (such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases). Therefore, they should have an ample supply of their usual medication and keep in contact with family members, neighbours and the community. People should seek immediate help if they feel unwell.
Outdoor/manual workers are advised to reschedule work to cooler hours as far as feasible. If working in a hot environment is unavoidable, provide shade where practicable and use ventilation and heat dissipation equipment. Once work has begun, gradually adjust the pace of work and take breaks in the shade to regain strength.
"Heat stroke is one of the most common health risks in hot weather. Over the past five years, there have been over 200 hospital admissions due to heat stroke each year in Hong Kong, with two to five fatal cases occurring mainly during the summer months from May to September. Vulnerable groups are more susceptible to heat stroke. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion. In severe cases, patients may suffer from convulsions or become unconscious, which can be life-threatening if they are not cooled down and resuscitated in a timely manner," a spokesman for the CHP said.
Members of the public are also advised to pay attention to the latest weather, as well as the real-time and forecasted ultraviolet (UV) index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV index is high (6 or above):
Minimise direct sunlight exposure to the skin and the eyes;
Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or higher when participating in outdoor activities. Reapply sunscreen every two hours if staying outdoors for long periods of time, or after swimming, sweating or toweling off;
While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen before insect repellent;
Seek shade;
Wear UV-blocking sunglasses;
Wear loose-fitting clothing with long-sleeves; and
Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella.
If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), heat strokepage andUV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast, UV Indexand weather information for hiking and mountaineering; and press releases of the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Heat Stress at Work Warning is in force.
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
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Professor Thomas Ho On-sing
Members
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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
