Labour unionists in Hong Kong have formally requested that the government mandate the provision of heatstroke-prevention equipment for employees working outdoors. The proposal aims to ensure that workers are adequately protected during periods of extreme heat, which have become more frequent in the region.

In addition to equipment requirements, the unions are pushing for heatstroke to be officially classified as a statutory occupational disease. Proponents argue that this change is necessary to simplify the compensation process for workers who suffer heat-related illnesses while on the job. Currently, proving that a heatstroke incident is work-related can be a complex legal hurdle for employees seeking financial support or medical coverage.

The push for these policy changes follows a series of unprecedented temperature records set in Hong Kong earlier this month. Union leaders, including Chau Sze-kit, have emphasized that current safety measures are insufficient to protect the workforce from the rising risks associated with climate change and urban heat. While the government has previously issued guidelines for working in hot weather, the unions contend that these guidelines lack the enforcement power of mandatory regulations. The debate highlights a growing tension between labour advocates seeking stronger legal protections and the potential operational costs for employers in industries such as construction and sanitation.