The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) has launched a promotional scheme offering local outdoor workers in the construction sector free innovative cooling vests, aiming to reduce heat stress risks, prevent heatstroke, and enhance both comfort and productivity. Eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the construction sector are welcome to apply, according to a DSAL statement on Wednesday.
The vests feature an ergonomic design and are equipped with portable air conditioning and fan systems that effectively promote air circulation for rapid heat dissipation and cooling, the statement said, adding that the vests are lightweight and durable, particularly suited for construction workers operating in hot and humid environments.
Local construction SMEs with less than 300 employees can apply for the scheme, provided their workers’ job roles involve prolonged outdoor exposure and high physical intensity, such as formwork, rebar fixing, welding, slinging/signalling, and crane operations; additionally, the relevant workers must hold a valid “Construction Industry Safety Card”, the statement said.
According to the statement, only local workers are entitled to benefit from government’s free cooling vest initiative.
In order to strengthen enterprises’ heat hazard management capabilities, management staff of approved companies can attend free workshops about heat stress risk assessment and heatstroke prevention in hot weather, which the bureau organises annually from May to September, the statement noted.
In addition to this new initiative, the bureau continues to offer a range of occupational safety equipment promotion schemes, including portable temporary anchor devices, first-aid kits, safety belts, fall arresters and independent lifelines, heat-insulating gloves, portable waist-mounted fans, heat-resistant clothing, and sun-protective hat covers, the statement added.
For details on application procedures for all the schemes, please visit the bureau’s “OSH World”* website at www.dsal.gov.mo, call 2871 7781, or email dsaldsso@dsal.gov.mo.
* “OSH” stands for Occupational Safety and Health (職業安全健康) – Gemini
This handout poster provided by the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) on Wednesday promotes its free innovative cooling vests for local construction workers. English translation arranged by the Post.
