Members of the Korean Construction Workers' Union chant slogans during a press conference in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, Wednesday. Newsis

An early heat wave gripping the country is raising concerns over heat-related illnesses among workers at construction sites this summer. Construction companies are on high alert to prevent such illnesses and potential casualties, especially after the introduction of a law that holds company heads accountable for worker deaths resulting from a failure to comply with safety protocols.

As Korea grapples with scorching heat, with some regions experiencing record-high daytime temperatures for June, major companies and the government have introduced measures to prevent heat-related illnesses, according to industry officials, Thursday. Despite these efforts, workers argue that many construction sites still lack shaded areas and adequate facilities that offer relief from the summer heat.

“After measuring temperatures and humidity levels at 222 construction sites between July and August last year, we discovered that temperatures at 34 sites were over 10 degrees Celsius higher than heat indices announced by the weather agency,” a Korean Construction Workers' Union (KCWU) member said during a press conference in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, Wednesday.

The KCWU urged lawmakers to enact a "heat wave law" mandating management at construction sites to ensure regular breaks, shorter working hours, and rest facilities equipped with air conditioning during the summer.

The union emphasized that guidelines that are not legally binding cannot improve working conditions.

Last month, the Ministry of Employment and Labor asked construction, shipbuilding and logistics firms to provide their workers with water, shade and rest during the summer months. The ministry also gathered safety officers from the nation's 10 largest construction firms last Friday and urged them to adhere to the guidelines until September.

“The heat wave law is necessary as it is directly related to our lives,” the KCWU said in a statement.

Companies are also on alert about the heat issue due to the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, which stipulates that company managers can face punishment if a worker dies from heatstroke or if there are more than three incidents of heat-related illnesses within a year. In response, major construction firms have launched campaigns this year to prevent such accidents.

Workers at a construction site under Hyundai E&C's management take a break and eat frozen desserts at a rest area equipped with an air conditioner in this June 2024 photo. Courtesy of Hyundai E&C

Hyundai E&C said it has maintained low temperatures and humidity in rest areas, and provided amenities such as cool water, ice machines, watermelons, sports drinks, cooling arm sleeves, and frozen desserts to workers. The company added that it allows workers to take paid breaks if they feel discomfort during work.

“We will devise a variety of measures to take care of the health of our workers,” a Hyundai E&C official said.

DL E&C said it monitors the health of older workers and those with high blood pressure before they start work in the afternoon. The company said it also provides regular breaks, beverages, watermelons and frozen desserts to workers.

POSCO E&C, HDC Hyundai Development Company and Hanwha E&C recently sent their CEOs to construction sites under the management of each company, so that they can inspect working conditions. SK ecoplant also ordered its chief safety officer to check the construction site of SK bioscience's research & process development center in Incheon last week.