Labour unions call for mandatory heatstroke-prevention equipment for workers

Hong Kong labour unionists have called for employers to be required to provide outdoor workers with heatstroke-prevention equipment during extreme temperatures.They also said on Saturday that heatstroke should be added to the list of statutory occupational diseases, making it easier for workers to claim compensation in work-related cases.The calls for better protection for workers in extreme heat came after the city recorded unprecedented temperatures earlier this month.Chau Sze-kit, chairman of the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union, said many workers urgently needed fan-cooled jackets, which could cost more than HK$1,000 (US$128) each and placed an additional financial burden on them.He called for employers to be required to provide fan-cooled jackets, as they do safety helmets.“Workers told us that fan-cooled jackets were the most effective personal protective equipment because wearing one could help lower the body temperature,” he told a radio programme.