It is not uncommon to see food delivery couriers driving to-and-fro lately as everyone tries to avoid the sweltering heat.
However, even delivery drivers themselves are finding the scorching temperatures outside unbearable. In recent news, two couriers in Hsinchu were hospitalized due to heat-related injuries from their work.
A delivery worker reminded fellow workers to stay hydrated to avoid the dangers of overly hot working conditions. He also suggested wrapping a wet towel around their neck to stay cool. Although he admits that facing high temperatures outdoors is still unavoidable.
Taiwan's Occupational Safety and Health Act, a piece of legislation regulating work environment safety, requires employers to take steps and provide equipment to prevent heat-related injuries. It also states that employees shall not work at a high-temperature site for more than six hours per day.
The oppressively hot conditions doesn't change the fact, however, that there is still work needing to be done. According to a survey released by online Job Bank Yes123, 93.2% of respondents think breaks or leaves should be guaranteed during high temperatures and 96.1% think outdoor workers should receive a heat allowance subsidy of at least NT$2,300.
Statistics show that over 600 outdoor workers have been hospitalized for heat-related injuries since July. With the soaring temperatures, it remains to be seen how the labor ministry will make adjustments to protect the rights of outdoor workers before things get too hot to handle.