NHRCK Calls for Urgent Measures to Protect the Right to Life of Outdoor Workers Amid Ongoing Heatwaves
– Continued deaths of outdoor workers can no longer be ignored –
□ Amid the ongoing heatwave, a series of fatalities involving outdoor workers has drawn deep concern. On July 6, a man in his 50s died while conducting a manhole survey in Incheon. The following day, on July 7, a 23-year-old Vietnamese migrant worker lost his life due to heat-related illness during his first day of work at a construction site in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province. The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK), chaired by Ahn Chang-ho, extends its sincere condolences to the bereaved families.
□ Extreme heat has become more than a seasonal occurrence—it now constitutes a serious social hazard that threatens the life and health of workers. In particular, manual laborers working outdoors are among the most vulnerable. In fact, over 80% of heat-related deaths occur in outdoor settings, and by occupation, manual laborers account for the highest proportion at 21.2%.
□ The right to life and health of workers is a fundamental right that must be protected by the State under Articles 10, 32(3), and 37(1) of the Korean Constitution. The International Labour Organization (ILO) also recognizes extreme heat as a work-related risk factor. In this context, effective and practical measures—such as adequate water provision, access to shaded rest areas, and adjustment of working hours—must be adopted without delay.
□ In January, the Ministry of Employment and Labor proposed an amendment to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Regulations requiring that workers be granted a rest period of at least 20 minutes every two hours when working in environments with a perceived temperature of 33°C or higher. However, the amendment was blocked by the Regulatory Reform Committee due to concerns over burdens on employers. The government must no longer turn a blind eye to the deaths of workers under extreme heat, and must implement active and concrete measures to guarantee workers’ right to life.
□ This year, the NHRCK plans to conduct a thorough review of the actual conditions regarding the right to rest and hygiene among various categories of workers—such as construction workers, platform workers, workers in special employment types, and agricultural, fisheries, and livestock workers—during the hot season. The NHRCK also aims to propose policy improvements, including adjusting working hours during periods of extreme heat or cold for non-essential work.
□ The government and society at large must prioritize the life and safety of workers in responding to heatwave-related disasters. The NHRCK strongly urges the establishment of fundamental and preventive measures to ensure that no more workers are lost to heat-related causes. The NHRCK will continue to work toward creating a society where all workers can perform their duties safely, even under extreme weather conditions.
July 10, 2025
Ahn Chang-ho
Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission of Korea
