​After several months of system testing and enhancements, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will conduct a trial of an artificial intelligence drowning detection system at the outdoor secondary pool of … read more
In response to media enquiries about a story published by the Washington Post quoting so-called sources that the United States (US) has decided to bar the Chief Executive (CE) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) from attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), the HKSAR Government today (July 28) pointed out once again that the US is obliged to fulfill its basic responsibilities as a host to follow the rules and usual practice of APEC and invite the CE to attend the meeting in his capacity of the leader of Hong Kong, China.
APEC has its standing rules and conventions for hosting meetings. According to the Guidelines for Hosting APEC Meetings, leaders of APEC member economies will be invited to attend the AELM. A host has the responsibilities to issue letters of invitation to APEC leaders and facilitate their attendance of the AELM.
APEC meetings do not belong to any country or economy, and APEC has its rules and conventions. Any host will have the responsibilities to invite members to participate according to these rules and conventions. The HKSAR Government has publicly stated the above position on multiple occasions. read more
​The Commissioner for Labour today (July 28) gave notices in the Gazette under section 16(1A) and/or section 18(2) of the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Ordinance (Chapter 380) for cases with ex gratia payment fr… read more
Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible: Here is an item of interest to swimmers. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced toda… read more
​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. read more