Governor Choo Mi-ae Inspects Heat Wave Construction Site: "Worker Safety is Top Priority"

[Suwon Ilbo=Cheon Ui-hyun Reporter] Governor Choo Mi-ae of Gyeonggi Province visited the Hwaseong Eastern Fire Station new construction site in Youngcheon-dong, Hwaseong City on the 3rd, amid ongoing severe heat wave alerts, to directly inspect safety management conditions for outdoor workers.

Governor Choo received briefings on the fire station construction progress and heat wave countermeasures at the site, then toured the work area and met with approximately 20 workers to hear about on-site challenges.

Governor Choo told the workers, "A severe heat wave alert is in effect and this week is said to be the peak, so please be especially careful about safety," and explained the purpose of her visit, stating, "I am emphasizing that the safety of those working outdoors is the top priority, and Gyeonggi Province is setting an example by visiting construction sites that we commissioned."

Gyeonggi Province views this week as the peak of this summer's heat wave and is launching joint inspections by cities and counties targeting construction sites commissioned by the province and private business sites. Key inspection matters include the provision of rest time and compliance with work suspension criteria.

At publicly commissioned construction sites, if the apparent temperature reaches 33°C or above, workers are given at least 20 minutes of rest every 2 hours, and at 35°C or above, outdoor work is in principle suspended from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the hottest hours of the day. If temperatures exceed 38°C, all outdoor work is completely halted except for emergency measures.

The province also plans intensive management targeting outdoor workers including mobile laborers and farm workers through work suspension and advisory notices, site inspections, and vigilance activities.

Governor Choo said, "Since heat waves are classified as disasters, the public sector must follow standards first so the private sector will follow suit," and added, "We plan to expand construction site inspections jointly with cities and counties during this week's peak period."

Meanwhile, the province is also operating the 'Gyeonggi Climate Insurance,' which applies to all residents without a separate subscription process. This system provides coverage for heat-related illness diagnosis fees and emergency room visit costs, allowing any resident to receive emergency treatment and compensation.