The Labour Department reminds employers to take appropriate precautions to prevent heatstroke in a hot or humid work environment.

Construction workers or road repair workers, kitchen workers and porters are more prone to have heatstroke when working for long hours in hot and humid environment with no appropriate preventive measures taken," Senior Occupational Health Officer, Dr Ng Kwok-po says.

Dr Ng suggests employers to take the following precautions:

• Arrange for employees to rotate to other worksites within the shift to reduce their exposure to the hot environment, or arrange appropriate rest breaks for them during very hot periods;
• Avoid having employees work under direct sunlight and set up temporary sunshades wherever possible;
• Provide cool potable water for employees at all times during work;
• Minimise physical demands by using tools or mechanical aids at work;
• Increase air flow by enhancing ventilation or air conditioning as appropriate;
• Isolate heat generating facilities at workplaces and use insulating materials to minimise heat dissipation to other work areas; and
• Provide relevant information and training for employees on heatstroke such as preventive measures and first aid treatment.

Dr Ng adds that some employees may have difficulties in adapting to a hot working environment owing to their particular health condition. Employers should take this into account and consider doctor's recommendations when assigning work to them.