Delivery workers sort items that have to be delivered at a logistics center in Seoul in this file photo. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 11 (Korea Bizwire) — It has become mandatory for South Korean employers to provide adequate rest even to indoor workers during heat waves.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced that an amendment to the subordinate ordinance of the Occupational Safety and Health Act will take effect from Wednesday.
The existing provision No. 566 on occupational safety and health standards stipulated that employers should ensure adequate rest for outdoor workers who are exposed directly to heat waves.
The revised ordinance, however, stipulates that employers should ensure adequate rest for workers working at places exposed to heat waves, and are thereby at risk of suffering from illnesses like heatstroke.
“In recent days, the need emerged to protect indoor workers, including those working at logistics centers, from heat waves. The revision is aimed at strengthening the protection of health rights for the workers exposed to heat-related illness,” the ministry said.
Under the revision, employers should create conditions to ensure adequate rest for indoor workers and guarantee rest hours to protect them from heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
