South Korean Companies Extend Breaks and Cooling Measures Amid Record Heat
South Korean companies are implementing extended rest periods, reshaping work schedules, and enhancing access to cooling equipment in response to unprecedented heat levels. This initiative comes as temperatures soar, with Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, recording a national high of 42.5 degrees Celsius. The Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service reported 195 heat-related occupational accidents since 2022, including 20 deaths. Legal and regulatory pressures have increased, especially after a construction company was convicted under the Serious Accidents Punishment Act for a heatstroke death. Major companies like Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Lotte E&C are leading efforts by rewarding breaks and using IoT-based monitoring systems. However, smaller businesses and outdoor workers, including migrants, remain vulnerable due to limited resources. 
