South Korean firms extend rest breaks as heatwave intensifies

SEOUL – An unusual heatwave in South Korea has pushed companies to extend rest breaks, rework shift schedules and provide more cooling equipment to reduce the risk of injury among workers.

The measures, however, have also highlighted a protection gap between employees of large firms that can afford better safety facilities and workers at smaller companies and outdoor worksites, who remain exposed to extreme temperatures.

Temperatures nationwide were reported at unusual levels, with Yangsan in South Gyeongsang province recording a high of 42.5 degrees Celsius, while Seoul was under the highest-level heatwave warning for several days.

195 heat-related accidents

According to data presented by People Power Party (PPP) lawmaker Kim Wi-sang, the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service recognised 195 heat-related occupational accidents between 2022 and June this year, including 20 deaths.

Thirteen cases, including four deaths, were recognised in the first six months of this year — before the peak heatwave period that usually falls in July and August.

Construction sector leads response

Construction companies, which account for a disproportionate share of industrial deaths compared with other sectors, have been among the most active in adopting protective measures.

Hyundai Engineering & Construction rewards workers who take breaks in designated rest areas, while Lotte E&C uses an Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring system at about 80 construction sites to measure perceived temperature every five minutes and classify heat risk into five levels.

Daewoo E&C allows workers who feel unwell to stop work without fear of disciplinary action or penalties.

Heavy industry tightens schedules

Heavy industries that cannot easily halt operations during a heatwave have tightened work and rest schedules instead.

Posco, which runs blast furnaces around the clock, requires workers to rest 15 minutes after every 45 minutes of work when the perceived temperature exceeds 35 degrees Celsius. When it exceeds 31 degrees Celsius, workers must rest 10 minutes after every 50 minutes.

Hyundai Steel mandates at least 10 minutes of rest every hour when the perceived temperature tops 31 degrees Celsius, and at least 15 minutes when it goes above 35 degrees Celsius.