Outdoor laborers in China endure severe heat exposure

Outdoor laborers in China endure severe heat exposure

In the face of rising heatwave frequencies and temperatures, China has taken significant steps to safeguard the health of its outdoor workers, who include food delivery drivers, construction workers, and sanitation workers, among others.

**Health Risks**

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures poses a myriad of health risks for outdoor workers. Heatstroke and heat exhaustion, particularly when temperatures exceed 35°C to 40°C, are primary concerns. Dehydration and sunburn are also common risks, while underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases may worsen during heatwaves.

**Protective Measures**

To mitigate these risks, China has instituted a four-tier heat warning system, advising the suspension of outdoor work when temperatures reach 40°C or above. At 37°C to 40°C, outdoor work duration should be limited to six hours with staggered shifts to avoid peak heat hours.

Legislation and administrative measures have been put in place to ensure workplaces adjust work intensity and duration during heatwaves, provide personal protective equipment, and pay high-temperature allowances. Heat allowances vary by province, typically between CNY 8-24 (USD 1.11-3.34) per day, designed to compensate workers for heat exposure. For example, Beijing offers no less than CNY 180 (USD 25) monthly during the hottest months, while Shanghai and Guangdong provide around CNY 300 (USD 42).

Employers are encouraged to provide effective sun protection and ensure workers stay well-hydrated to prevent sunburn and dehydration-related illnesses. Rest breaks and cooling areas are advised, following guidelines similar to the heat stress warning system implemented in Hong Kong.

Outdoor workers should avoid prolonged exposure during peak heat (noon to 7 p.m.). Employers must monitor weather alerts and implement targeted safety measures. Vehicles used in outdoor work are recommended to be checked to avoid fire hazards caused by heat.

Diagnosis of heat exhaustion is included as an occupational disease eligible for workplace insurance benefits, providing additional financial support and medical care to affected workers.

**Summary**

These measures reflect China’s comprehensive approach to protecting outdoor workers amid increasing heatwave frequency and severity due to climate change. However, experts note that despite these measures, attention to workers' health risks remains insufficient, indicating a need for continued enhancement of policies and enforcement.

In cities like Hangzhou, measures to protect food delivery drivers have been implemented, including the establishment of "break stations" with water dispensers, charging points, and heatstroke-prevention medication. By the end of 2024, 3,025 such stations had been established throughout Hangzhou.

Despite the risks, many outdoor workers, including food delivery drivers, often choose to extend their working hours and increase their workload to earn more. Experienced food delivery drivers generally believed they had higher heat tolerance, and most did not have the awareness or ability to seek professional health assessments when they felt unwell.

The Lancet report proposed that in the event of high heat, individual workplaces should promptly adjust the duration and intensity of work, provide personal-protective equipment and "heat allowance", and include the diagnosis of heat exhaustion as an occupational disease in workplace insurance benefits.

[1] The Lancet report, 2023 [2] China Meteorological Administration [3] Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention [4] Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, China

1. The Lancet report suggests that workplace-wellness initiatives in the face of climate change should include adjusting work duration and intensity, providing personal protective equipment, and offering "heat allowances" to offset financial losses from heat exposure.
2. In line with The Lancet report, science plays a crucial role in identifying and addressing the health risks associated with climate change, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can be exacerbated by environmental conditions like high temperatures.
3. To bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application, regulatory bodies like the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security could collaborate to develop SDG strategies that prioritize health-and-wellness and climate-change mitigation, particularly for outdoor workers.
4. Medical-conditions like cardiovascular and respiratory diseases may worsen during heatwaves, making it essential for employers to consider their employees' susceptibilities and implement targeted safety measures to ensure a safe and healthy workplace environment—a key factor in promoting overall environmental-science awareness and workplace-wellness.

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