Working in extreme heat and cold
"Just a bit more, then we'll rest" is how people die. You have the right to stop.
What the employer must do in a heatwave
- Provide cool water — available at any time.
- Set up shade and rest space — somewhere with airflow.
- Give regular rest breaks — especially in the hottest hours.
- Adjust working hours — reschedule outdoor work during heat warnings.
- Check on people's condition — especially older workers and those with health conditions.
- Train on heat illness response — see heat-illness.
What the employer must do in a cold snap
- A warm rest area and heating
- Cold-weather protective equipment — see protective-equipment.
- Adjust working hours during cold wave warnings.
- Anti-slip measures on icy ground.
- Train on hypothermia and frostbite — see hypothermia and cold-wave.
If you feel it is dangerous
- Stop work and say so. Under occupational safety law, work may be stopped where there is imminent danger. See refuse-dangerous-work.
- Raise it together with colleagues — safer than alone.
- Record it — date, temperature, task, what you asked for and the reply.
- You can report to 1350 or KOSHA on 1544-3088.
- If someone collapses, call 119 immediately and consider an industrial accident claim.
Where to go
- 119 heat illness and hypothermia emergencies
- 1544-3088 KOSHA
- 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labour (conditions and safety)
- 1588-0075 Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service
- 1577-0071 Foreign Workforce Support Centre
Questions people ask
I feel awkward asking to rest. Asking for safety measures is a legitimate right. Requesting as a group is more effective. If repeatedly refused, report to 1544-3088.
There's no water and no shade. That may be a breach of safety duties. Photograph the site and report it.
I collapsed in the heat — does that count as an industrial accident? If work-relatedness is recognised, yes. Tell the hospital clearly that you collapsed at work and ask 1588-0075.
Will reporting bring reprisals? Disadvantage for making a safety report is prohibited. See whistleblower-protection.
Take care
In extreme heat or cold, never ignore what your body is telling you. Dizziness, nausea, violent shivering and impaired judgement are signals to stop at once. If a colleague seems wrong, speak to them and check. Not working alone is the best safeguard of all.
Related
heat-illness · hypothermia · refuse-dangerous-work · protective-equipment · workplace-health
Source
Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency www.kosha.or.kr / As of 2026-08