Cooling gear and shaded breaks for Samsung C&T workers

The guidelines require rest periods when the perceived temperature reaches 31°C or above, daily pre-shift health checks, and the suspension of work if any worker shows symptoms of heat-related illness.

The company said it is also seeking to avoid outdoor activities between 2pm and 5pm during heatwaves, with teams switching to indoor tasks during peak heat.

Shaded and air-conditioned rest areas are now available within a two-minute walk of all work zones, supplemented by temporary stations where needed. These facilities provide drinking water and glucose supplements, with separate areas for female workers on sites with a high proportion of women.

Samsung C&T workers in South Korea cool off in a rest station (Image courtesy of Samsung C&T)

For high-exposure tasks such as welding and concrete pouring, the company supplies cooling equipment including ice vests, neck coolers, and portable fans. Temperature readings from the Korea Meteorological Administration are cross-checked against on-site sensors, with the higher figure used to guide operational decisions.

The company is also promoting heat awareness through safety campaigns, quizzes, and incentives, aiming to build a “culture of on-site safety,” according to Byung-chul Ahn, chief safety officer of the company’s Safety & Health Division.