The Ministry of Labor says employers will be fined up to NT$300,000 for failing to implement measures to protect workers from occupational heat hazards.
The labor ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) group team leader Chang Kuo-ming (張國明) says the purpose of the new regulations is not to punish but to remind employers to protect the safety and health of outdoor workers. Chang says that following inspections in the past, businesses may not have improved their situation because they thought another inspection was unlikely. However, he says inspections will now have two-week follow-ups, and employers can be punished if improvements have not been made.
Failure to improve accordingly can result in a fine of NT$30,000 to NT$150,000 (US$945-US$4725). If heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke are caused by poor conditions, employers could face a maximum fine of up to NT$300,000 (US$9450).
OSHA says employers should take preventative measures to protect employees that can include reducing workplace temperature, providing cool resting spaces and beverages, and adjusting working hours. Businesses should also pay attention to the health status of workers before and during work.