On the 13th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it would strengthen publicity campaigns and on-site inspections to ensure compliance with heat wave safety regulations at construction sites until next month to prevent heat-related illnesses among workers during the heat wave.
The Seoul Major Accident Monitoring Team, consisting of 14 members in 7 teams, has begun on-site inspections at over 300 public and private construction sites in Seoul.
Through on-site inspections, they will check ▲ whether sufficient water is provided to workers, ▲ whether ventilation devices such as air conditioners or fans and shade structures are installed, ▲ whether adequate rest time is guaranteed during heat wave advisories, ▲ whether personal cooling gear such as cooling vests is provided, and ▲ whether an emergency response system is in place in the event of heat-related illnesses.
In this process, posters and banners promoting the 'five basic rules for heat-related illness prevention' will be produced and distributed at the sites. Brochures created in eight languages, including Chinese, will also be directly handed to foreign workers.
The city plans to actively encourage the spread of heat wave safety measures at private construction sites as well.
The Major Accident Monitoring Team will focus on compliance with industrial safety and health laws during the period of the measures. If violations are found on-site, they plan to notify relevant authorities such as the Ministry of Employment and Labor and take administrative actions such as halting work.
Han Byung-yong, head of the Disaster Safety Office of Seoul, noted, "Compliance with safety regulations to prevent heat-related illnesses is necessary, especially in construction sites with a lot of outdoor work," and he urged for active participation from private construction sites.