Concerns in the construction industry are growing regarding regulations aimed at preventing heat-related illnesses at construction sites ahead of the summer heat wave. Construction companies have already made related efforts, but they are responding that the continuous tightening of regulations is increasing their burden.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the construction industry on the 19th, amendments to the Industrial Safety and Health Act and relevant rules are set to take effect next month. The amendments state that during high-temperature work, employers must implement basic measures such as providing and recording heat and humidity meters, conducting heat illness prevention training for workers, and providing sufficient drinking water and salt. Additionally, at temperatures perceived to be 33℃ or higher, workers are required to take a minimum 20-minute break after every 2 hours of work, and if it is difficult to stop work, personal cooling equipment must be provided.
When performing work, employers must periodically measure workers' perceived temperatures and record corresponding measures. This record must be kept until December 31 of the current year. In cases where measurements are difficult due to outdoor moving work, the perceived temperature announced by the Korea Meteorological Administration may be utilized.
Related penalties will also be strengthened. If a heat illness incident occurs due to violations of the amended regulations, the employer faces up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won. If a worker dies, the sentence may be extended to up to 7 years in prison or a fine of up to 100 million won.
While heat-related accidents have consistently occurred at construction sites, criticisms have been raised that the prevention of heat-related illnesses has mostly relied on government guidelines and voluntary inspections by construction companies. The Ministry of Employment and Labor noted that among 58 reported heat illness industrial accidents last year, 31 occurred at construction sites, urging construction companies to establish heat illness prevention measures and adhere to related rules.
However, while large construction companies have relatively better support conditions on-site, concerns have emerged that mid-sized construction companies may face increased difficulties in site management amid economic downturns. While the intent behind the strengthened regulations is understood, there are reactions that delays in construction schedules due to reduced working hours could have a significant impact. The installation of cooling facilities and the provision of personal protective equipment also incur expenses.
The government supports the purchase of heat illness prevention equipment for small business sites with fewer than 50 employees, but there are calls for additional support. A representative from a construction company said, “We sympathize with the intent of the regulations and have already been making efforts to comply with related regulations at all sites even before the strengthening of regulations. However, sites with tight construction schedules or those nearing completion would definitely feel a significant burden if there are penalties for not adhering to reinforced regulations.” The representative added, “There is also the problem of inventory disposal for cooling equipment once on-site work ends, along with overall expense burdens. In particular, any additional expenses for personal cooling equipment and protective gear are also a strain.”
Another representative from a construction company remarked, “Large construction companies have a clear advantage in managing personnel issues associated with cooling equipment and granting break times, but small business sites find it very challenging to comply thoroughly with the rules. If the construction schedule extends due to extreme heat, project costs also increase, which is a significant burden at a time when the construction market is not good. While all construction companies strive to comply, it would be nice if there were more careful support measures.”
Experts emphasized that construction companies need to strive to adapt to the strengthened heat illness prevention guidelines. Choi Myung-ki, a professor at the Korea Industrial Site Professors Association, said, “While it may impose some burden on the construction industry, in practice, related regulations regarding break times and cooling equipment are often not thoroughly followed on-site. It is essential to strengthen regulations to protect workers, and construction companies should also consider the increases in construction time and costs due to extreme heat when estimating their expenses and participating in bids.”