1. Reason for Revision
In accordance with the amendment of the "Industrial Safety and Health Act" (Act No. 20522, promulgated on October 22, 2024, and effective on June 1, 2025), which clearly stipulates the employer's responsibility to take health measures to prevent workers' health hazards due to prolonged exposure to heat waves, this regulation aims to establish definitions for heat waves and heat wave-related work and provide specific health measures employers must take to prevent health hazards for workers performing heat wave-related tasks.
2.Main Content
a. Introduction of Definitions for Heat Wave and Heat Wave Work
Define "heat wave" as a meteorological phenomenon with high temperatures that can cause health hazards such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke in workers (Article 558, Paragraph 4)
Define "heat wave work" as work performed in locations where the perceived temperature exceeds 31°C due to heat waves, and workers engage in prolonged work in such environments (Article 559, Paragraph 4, Appendix 13-2)
b. Specific Health Measures for Employers Regarding Heat Wave Work
1) When workers are performing heat wave work indoors, employers must take one of the following measures: install temperature and humidity control devices for cooling and ventilation, adjust work hours, or provide appropriate rest periods (Article 560, Paragraph 2)
2) If heat wave work is anticipated for workers, employers must ensure that thermometers or similar devices are always available at the workers' primary work locations to monitor temperature and humidity (Article 562, Paragraph 2)
3) Employers must inform workers about symptoms and prevention methods for heat-related illnesses, as well as emergency response procedures (Article 562, Paragraph 3)
4) Employers must record the perceived temperature and actions taken during heat wave work and retain these records until December 31 of the year (Article 562, Paragraph 4)
5) If a worker is suspected of having a heat-related illness during heat wave work, the employer must ensure immediate reporting to the local fire department or take appropriate action (Article 562, Paragraph 5)
6) When workers perform heat wave work outdoors, employers must take one of the following actions: adjust work hours or provide appropriate rest periods (Article 566, Paragraph 2)
7) When workers perform heat wave work in locations with a perceived temperature of 33°C or higher, employers must provide a rest period of at least 20 minutes every two hours (Article 566, Paragraph 3)
8) Employers must ensure that workers have sufficient salt and clean drinking water available in work areas where they sweat heavily (Article 571)
