Geoje Shipyards Ramp Up Heatwave Countermeasures with Task Forces and Extended Breaks

As the summer season brings the onset of intense heat, major shipbuilders in Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do, are busy implementing measures to combat extreme temperatures.
For shipyard workers, summer is a season that demands more physical stamina than any other, as they often perform shipbuilding tasks in outdoor docks under scorching sunlight or in enclosed spaces with no ventilation.
According to the shipbuilding industry on Thursday (July 2), Hanwha Ocean formed a labor-management joint task force (TF) for heat-related illness prevention back in February, about five months ago, to prepare for this year's summer heat.
The task force decided to implement an additional 10-minute break in both the morning and afternoon, regardless of the apparent temperature, from late July to late August, when the heat is at its peak. This policy takes effect starting this year.
Previously, additional break times were granted only when the apparent temperature reached 33°C (91°F) or higher.
The company explained that this is the first time in the shipbuilding industry that additional break times are being operated regardless of the apparent temperature.
Hanwha Ocean will also extend lunch breaks by 30 minutes when the temperature reaches 28°C (82°F) or higher, and by 60 minutes when it hits 31.5°C (89°F) or higher.
To ensure adequate rest conditions, the company is operating 103 temporary rest areas equipped with air conditioners and water purifiers, while also deploying cooling buses and installing cooling fog systems.
In addition, the company is providing heat-related illness prevention guidelines and management instructions produced in 18 languages, including Korean.
This initiative aims to ensure that foreign workers can also easily understand the safety protocols for preventing heat-related illnesses.
Samsung Heavy Industries has also activated a heatwave response task force to conduct inspections in preparation for the hot weather.
The company is conducting employee training and on-site monitoring to ensure that the five basic principles of heat safety—water, wind, shade, rest, and emergency response—are strictly followed at work sites.
Samsung Heavy Industries extends lunch breaks by 30 minutes when the temperature is 28.5°C (83°F) or higher, and by one hour when it reaches 32.5°C (91°F) or higher.
Both shipyards are placing spot coolers, which are portable air conditioners that blow cool air, throughout their work sites.
Furthermore, from this month through next month, they plan to provide health-boosting meals such as chicken soup to help workers recover their energy from the heat.
(Photo: Courtesy of Hanwha Ocean, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.