A break of at least 20 minutes is required every two hours for laborers at work sites where the sensory temperature is 33 degrees Celsius or higher. (iClickArt) *Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution of the above photo is prohibited under copyright law.

By Koh Hyunjeong

Laborers who work at work sites where the sensory temperature is 33 degrees Celsius or higher from this week must receive a break of at least 20 minutes every two hours.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor on July 11 said a meeting of its Regulatory Reform Committee passed an amendment to rules on occupational safety and health standards requiring such a break under the stipulated condition.

Follow-up steps will quickly follow such as deliberation of the revised bill and the announcement and enforcement of the rules this week.

The five basic rules of on-site heat wave safety are provision of cool water, air conditioning, a break of at least 20 minutes every two hours, cooling devices and availability of the 119 emergency hotline.

Public funds of KRW 35 billion will go into the distribution of mobile air conditioners, which are in high demand, by the end of the month with priority on the sites of small businesses.

Surprise inspections and guidance are planned at 60,000 workplaces with high risk of excessive heat to check compliance with safety regulations there.

hjkoh@korea.kr