Beijing authorities conduct checks for worker heat wave protections

Beijing governmental authorities have conducted supervisory visits to key industries, including construction and environmental sanitation, to ensure the health of workers in high temperatures on Wednesday.

The checks started in June and will last for three months, according to the Beijing Institute of Health Supervision under the Beijing Health Commission.

Beijing's temperature soared above 41 degrees Celsius in late June, setting a new record for the capital's hottest days in June. The Beijing Meteorological Observatory upgraded the city's hot weather warning to "red" – the highest level in the system – for several days and is advising people to avoid outdoor work and for children and the elderly to take precautionary measures.

The ongoing high temperature in the city threatens the health of those working under the heat wave. Thus, the government is reminding companies to ensure labor rights in these conditions.

Officers from the Beijing Health Bureau came to Tongzhou district on Wednesday to see how heatstroke prevention measures are being conducted. In different working sites, cottages are provided for workers to rest, and cold drinks and heatstroke medicine are being supplied.

"Working hours should be adjusted according to the weather forecast with adequate and standardized drinks and medicines provided to prevent heatstroke. Occupational health checks should be conducted routinely for staff members who work outside," said Zhao Yu, specialist at the Beijing Institute of Health Supervision.

According to the regulation, employers of people who get occupational diseases caused by working in heat will be fined no less than 100,000 yuan but up to 500,000 yuan. Employees are suggested to follow reasonable working arrangements and protect themselves in summer.

A tour guide, aged 49, died due to heat stroke on Sunday (July 2). He collapsed during a group tour at the Summer Palace and, despite immediate medical attention, passed away. His death brought attention to the effect of continuous heat and the need to take care of those working in high temperatures.