Sweltering heat in Hong Kong hits outdoor workers, lower-income residents

HONG KONG: The Hong Kong Observatory has predicted that 2024 could be one of the city’s hottest years on record.
Its “very hot” advisory – when the mercury rises above 33 degrees Celsius – has been in place nearly every day of August so far.
Some districts have even recorded temperatures soaring close to 39 degrees Celsius.
This month is the latest uptick in the increasing number of heat warnings issued by the observatory over the years.
In 2013, there were just 12 alerts. Last year, a decade later, the number of alerts jumped to 42.
In response to soaring temperatures, Hong Kong introduced a three-tiered heat-stress warning system last May.
Employers of outdoor workers are encouraged to schedule rest breaks ranging from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the alert.
Such workers, like those in the construction, landscaping and delivery sectors, are especially susceptible as they are constantly subjected to the elements.
Extreme heat can cause severe dehydration if those exposed do not replenish their fluids adequately. Prolonged exposure can lead to heat-related symptoms including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and hyperthermia.
The Hong Kong Construction Association, which advocates for improving the standards of the city’s construction industry, said shaded areas and cold drinking water are provided for workers.
Cooling clothing, such as caps with flaps at the back to protect the neck from the sun, are also available.
“We have mobile vests with a fan inside, so that when they’re working, they can lower their body temperature and (improve) ventilation inside the construction site,” said the association’s executive director Godfrey Leung.
But a string of excessive heat warnings could potentially delay construction timelines, extending waits for public housing and infrastructure projects.
“The only thing we can do is to provide a predictable rest period so that we can time our own progress. Then we can make it up in the autumn or winter, if the construction period permits,” said Leung.
Registered construction workers also receive vouchers for health checkups.
However, low-wage gig workers face a tougher time.
“Some workers may need to work in remote areas, for example, cleaners on the streets or the countryside. They may not receive tangible support from employers, like physical rest stations for those in fixed work locations,” said Terry Wong, a manager at the Hong Kong Red Cross.
The humanitarian organisation sets up mobile rest stations across the city whenever the observatory issues a hot weather advisory.
So far, it has given out 1,100 summer kits to workers this year, more than the 700 that were distributed in 2022.
Each kit consists of a portable fan, electrolyte drinks, a bottle of water, and a handful of vouchers for necessities in supermarkets.
“We also (provide) them information about the extreme hot weather signals, and share knowledge on how to help themselves if they feel some sickness,” Wong said.
The non-profit also encourages business owners and residents to provide relief for gig workers whenever possible, saying no act of kindness is too small, such as offering much-needed shade or water. 
Besides workers, senior citizens and those making a lower income have also been impacted by the excessive heat.
Non-governmental organisations say distress calls have gone up, logging about 1,600 calls a day since the start of August. Many come from seniors who live alone.
Dr Eric Lai, a research assistant professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Institute of Health Equity, said: “To maintain our body within optimum temperature (on a hot day), the body has to pump more blood to the skin to make sweat to (lose) heat.
“In doing so, it creates an extra burden to the cardiovascular system. It is particularly burdensome for those with an underlying history of cardiovascular diseases, especially those who are in old age.”
Researchers from the Hong Kong University found that heat waves over the last decade contributed to more than 1,600 deaths in the city.
They also found that heat-related mortality is more concentrated in lower income neighbourhoods, compared with high income areas.
This is because heat is more intense in cramped spaces with little to no ventilation. Many Hong Kong residents – especially those with lower wages – live in such dense conditions, like the city’s infamous subdivided flats.
“The health impact of extreme hot weather is not equally felt across the city. (There’s) a wide wealth inequality… some live in quite deprived neighbourhoods and very poor housing,” said Lai.
He and fellow researchers have collected data on where the most vulnerable residents live – Yau Tsim Mong and Kwun Tong districts in Kowloon. They are set to bring the study to authorities and non-governmental organisations so they can offer timely assistance.
He said there is a need for government-led initiatives or subsidies to continue keeping Hong Kong residents cool amid the scorching heat.