Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (April 30) that the department is committed to providing frontline cleansing workers with an appropriate working and resting environment. It continuously reviews their basic needs, including access to drinking water, places for short breaks, water for cleansing tools, and toilet facilities, to ensure that the needs of all frontline cleansing workers are met. Where conditions permit, the FEHD will also strive to further improve the working environment and provide more convenient staff facilities by refurbishing or upgrading refuse collection points (RCPs).
The spokesman said, “The department attaches great importance to the working environment of frontline cleansing workers. There are some 900 village-type RCPs/RCPs with temporary structures under the FEHD’s management, most of which are located in rural areas. Due to geographical constraints, these sites are unable to provide these convenience facilities. Although no personnel were deployed to be stationed at the RCPs, the FEHD strives to ensure that cleansing workers at work nearby have access to drinking water, places for short breaks during hot weather, water for cleansing tools, and toilet facilities in their work zones or within a few minutes’ walk. To further enhance the resting environment for rural workers, the FEHD has installed 133 solar cooling kiosks since 2023. These kiosks are equipped with solar-powered facilities, including air coolers, electric fans, and exhaust fans. Similar solar-powered and staff convenience facilities have also been added to 15 staff resting places in rural areas and 14 village-type RCPs.”
Since 2020, in newly built or refurbished off-street RCPs, the FEHD has, depending on the actual site conditions, endeavoured to provide staff with changing and personal storage spaces, as well as facilities for short beaks and meals. Additionally, amenities such as cold and hot water dispensers, microwave ovens, electric steamers, refrigerators, electric fans, tables and chairs, and power sockets have been installed wherever possible. Air conditioning systems will also be installed in the staff dining rooms where feasible.
Meanwhile, the FEHD has been enhancing the gear provided to frontline staff. At present, all frontline cleansing workers of the FEHD have been provided with working uniforms that have sweat-wicking, breathable and reflective properties, and are equipped with portable waist-mounted fans to help them keep cool in hot weather. To further enhance the occupational safety and health (OSH) of contractors’ cleansing workers, the FEHD has collaborated with the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel to develop new work raincoats and shoes for cleansing workers. The new work shoes are designed with good breathability, waterproofing, durability, slip resistance, shock-absorption, and antimicrobial functions. They are easy to clean and incorporate appropriate fabric materials and ergonomic design to enhance comfort and reduce the risk of foot injury. The new raincoats are made from high-quality fabrics that are waterproof, breathable, and durable, with thermoregulation function to adapt to varying temperatures. The FEHD will include a new contract clause when awarding new public cleansing service contracts, requiring contractors to provide frontline staff with the new uniform raincoats and work shoes.
The FEHD is currently trying out the use of power-assisted trolley to reduce the physical strain on frontline cleansing workers when transporting refuse. These trolleys are equipped with safety features such as reflective edges, horns, fencing, rotating wheels for braking, and rear lights. The FEHD will examine its feasibility of wider use based on the trial results.
To strengthen OSH protection for frontline cleansing workers, the FEHD has implemented several measures. These include conducting assessments for departmental staff in accordance with the criteria provided in the Labour Department’s Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work and requiring contractors to perform similar assessments for their employees. All assessed staff members have received written notification of the results, which have also been put up at roll-call points in various districts so that staff members can be aware of the results. When the Heat Stress at Work Warning is in effect, the FEHD and its contractors must arrange rest breaks for employees based on the adjusted hourly rest time listed on the assessment forms.