The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 9th that it has urged its affiliated agencies, local governments nationwide, and construction companies to thoroughly manage safety in preparation for the heat wave. This measure follows a series of heat-related incidents, including the deaths of workers at construction sites due to record heat.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport ordered the active implementation of heat wave measures, such as halting construction work during the most intense heat hours. It urged strict compliance with the five basic rules for preventing heat-related illnesses: providing cool water, wind and shade, rest, cooling equipment, and emergency measures, as well as installing rest facilities and granting rest breaks of over 20 minutes every 2 hours when the perceived temperature exceeds 33°C.
This information was promptly disseminated to approximately 62,000 member companies through websites, faxes, and applications via 14 affiliated agencies, including 17 metropolitan and provincial governments, 228 city and county offices, the Korea Land & Housing Corporation (LH), and the Korea Expressway Corporation. The Korea Authority of Land & Infrastructure Safety (KALIS) will swiftly relay the relevant details to over 9,500 construction industry stakeholders via text messages (SMS).
Kim Tae-byeong, the director of technical safety policy at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, noted, “Recently, construction workers are exposed to the risk of heat-related illnesses due to extreme heat,” and added, “The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will actively respond to prevent further heat wave-related incidents by collaborating with the Ministry of Employment and Labor and other relevant departments.”