Why is Hong Kong’s heat-stress warning system for outdoor workers in the hot seat?

Heat Stress at Work Warning system is intended to alert outdoor manual workers and those indoors with limited ventilation to risks

As of Thursday, the maximum temperature recorded at the Hong Kong Observatory reached 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) or above for nine consecutive days, marking the longest streak of very hot days for the month of August.

The heat has been felt particularly keenly by outdoor workers, prompting debate over whether the Labour Department’s heat stress warning signals are sufficient.

The signals are intended to alert outdoor manual workers, including construction workers and street cleaners, as well as those who work indoors with limited ventilation.

1. What is the heat stress warning system under fire?

On Sunday, the Observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 36.9 degrees at its headquarters in Tsim Sha Tsui – the highest since the forecaster began keeping records in 1884.