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Employees should immediately rest in a cool and shady place, drink water, and inform their employers or supervisors in case of any symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
The Very Hot Weather Warning and the Amber Heat Stress at Work Warning are now in force in Hong Kong. The Labour Department (LD) has urged employers and employees to take appropriate measures to prevent heatstroke when working in hot weather or hot environments.
The LD reminded that employees working outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor environments face high levels of heat stress and are at a relatively greater risk of heatstroke. Employers should assess the risk factors of heat stress for employees at work and take necessary preventive and control measures, including:
- rescheduling work periods
- setting up shading covers
- providing ventilation and heat dissipation equipment
- reminding employees to replenish water and rest in a timely manner
The LD noted that the Heat Stress at Work Warning is formulated based on the Hong Kong Heat Index and comprises three levels: Amber, Red, and Black. The issuance system has been enhanced from 20 April 2026 to incorporate heat stress data from additional monitoring stations when determining whether to issue a warning.
When a warning is issued, employers must refer to the Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work to conduct risk assessments and arrange appropriate rest breaks every hour as far as reasonably practicable to reduce employees' risk of heatstroke.
Employees must also follow instructions to rest on time. Whenever there are any symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as headache, dizziness, thirst, and nausea, they should immediately rest in a cool and shady place, drink water, and inform their employers or supervisors for further action.
Amidst the high temperature, the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health has also advised the public to take the following precautions:
- Hydrate in a timely manner to prevent dehydration;
- Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting and breathable clothing to minimise heat absorption and facilitate perspiration and heat dissipation;
- Keep indoor areas well-ventilated and maintain appropriate temperature and humidity, e.g. by opening windows or using a fan or air-conditioning;
- Avoid strenuous exercise and prolonged activities such as hiking or trekking;
- Arrange outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible, and bring enough water; and
- Avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcoholic beverages, which may speed up water loss through the urinary system.
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the city is expected to remain persistently very hot in the next couple of days, with daytime temperature ranging between 27°C to 33°C. High temperature weather is forecast to ease slightly over the weekend.
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