(Updated on September 7, 2023)
Summer in Hong Kong can be extremely hot and humid, posing a risk of heat exhaustion for domestic helpers who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned environments. As an employer, you may give your helper some advice and information about working under the extreme weather and how to stay safe from the heat.
Precaution Against Heat Exhaustion
Here are some precaution that employers may take:
- Provide access to shade and rest breaks: Ensure that your domestic helper has access to shaded areas during work hours, especially if they are working outdoors. Encourage them to take regular breaks to rest and cool down from the sun.
- Hydration is crucial: Emphasise the importance of staying hydrated throughout the day. In the hot and humid summer, domestic helpers may have to go marketing and run household errands. Excessive sweating may cause dehydration and increase the risk of potential heatstroke. Therefore, employers should provide their domestic helper an adequate supply of clean drinking water and encourage them to drink water frequently, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Remind them to avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages or alcohol as these can contribute to dehydration.
- Dress appropriately: Encourage your domestic helper to wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and breathable clothing that allows for better air circulation. Light-coloured clothing can also help reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption, especially during the high temperatures.
- Use sunscreen: Advise your domestic helper to apply sunscreen with a high SPF before going outside. The blazing sun may cause sunburn, which can impair the body’s ability to cool down, so protecting the skin from harmful UV rays is essential.
- Provide cooling aids: Consider providing your domestic helper with cooling aids such as a handheld fan, a cooling towel, or a personal misting spray bottle. These items can provide instant relief and help lower body temperature during the summer.
- Adjust work schedules: If possible, adjust your domestic helper’s work schedule to avoid the hottest parts of the day or the blazing sun. Schedule outdoor activities or tasks early in the morning or in the late afternoon when temperatures are relatively lower.
- Educate on heat exhaustion symptoms: Make sure your domestic helper is aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, fatigue, headaches, and excessive sweating. Encourage them to notify you immediately if they experience any of these symptoms.
- Provide training and education: Educate your domestic helper about the risks of heat exhaustion and the importance of taking preventive measures. Teach them how to recognise the signs of heat exhaustion in themselves and their colleagues.
- Install fans or provide ventilation: If your domestic helper works in a non-air-conditioned environment, ensure that there is proper ventilation. Install fans or provide other cooling devices to improve air circulation and provide more comfortable working conditions.
- Regularly check on their well-being: Check in with your domestic helper frequently to assess their well-being during hot weather. Ask about their comfort level, monitor their behaviour, and encourage open communication so they can express any concerns or discomfort they may be experiencing.
By implementing these preventive measures and prioritising your domestic helper’s well-being during the hot summer months, you can help them avoid the heat exhaustion and ensure safer and healthier working conditions.
Signs Of Heat Exhaustion
The signs of heat exhaustion can vary from person to person, but common indicators include:
- Excessive sweating: Your domestic helper may experience profuse sweating, which is the body’s natural way of trying to cool down.
- Fatigue and weakness: It can cause feelings of extreme tiredness, weakness, and lack of energy.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness: Your domestic helper may feel dizzy or lightheaded, which can affect their balance and coordination.
- Headache: Heat-induced headaches are commonly observed. The headache may be throbbing and accompanied by a sense of pressure in the head.
- Nausea and vomiting: Your domestic helper may feel nauseous or experience vomiting.
- Pale or flushed skin: The skin may appear pale, cool, and clammy. In some cases, it may be flushed and red.
- Rapid heartbeat: It can cause an increased heart rate or palpitations.
- Muscle cramps: Painful muscle cramps, especially in the legs and abdomen, can occur as a result of electrolyte imbalances due to excessive sweating.
- Fainting or near-fainting: It may cause your domestic helper to feel faint or actually faint due to inadequate blood flow to the brain.
- Weak pulse and low blood pressure: The pulse may become weak, and blood pressure may drop as the body struggles to regulate its temperature.
If you observe any of these signs or symptoms in your domestic helper, it’s crucial to take immediate action to prevent the condition from progressing to heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. Move them to a cool place, provide fluids, and monitor their condition closely. If their symptoms worsen or if they show signs of severe dehydration or heatstroke, seek medical help promptly. Generally speaking, the mandatory helper insurance should have covered your helper’s emergency expense, hospitalisation and medical fee. If you are not certain about the health insurance policy for your helper, please contact your insurance provider for details.
See also: Mandatory Domestic Helper Insurance In Hong Kong
Actions For Immediate Care
If your domestic helper shows signs of heat exhaustion, it’s important to act quickly to provide them with immediate care. Here’s what you can do:
- Move them to a cooler area: Immediately move your domestic helper to a shaded or air-conditioned area to help lower their body temperature. If possible, use a fan or create air circulation to further aid in cooling.
- Encourage rest and elevate their legs: Have your domestic helper lie down and elevate their legs slightly to improve blood flow and circulation.
- Rehydrate: Offer them cool water or an electrolyte-rich drink to sip on. Encourage them to drink small amounts frequently to rehydrate their body. Avoid giving them beverages with caffeine or alcohol, as these can further contribute to dehydration.
- Apply cool compresses: Use cool, damp cloths or towels and place them on your domestic helper’s forehead, neck, and armpits. This will help lower their body temperature.
- Monitor their condition: Keep a close eye on your domestic helper’s symptoms and monitor their vital signs. If their condition worsens or they show signs of severe dehydration or heatstroke (such as confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizures), seek immediate medical assistance.
- Provide emotional support: Offer your domestic helper reassurance and support to help them feel more at ease during their recovery.
- Rest and recovery: Once your domestic helper’s condition improves, encourage them to rest and avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day. They may need additional time to fully recover.
Remember, prevention is always better than treatment. It’s essential to educate your domestic helper about the symptoms of heat exhaustion, encourage them to take preventive measures, and provide a safe and comfortable working environment during hot weather. Regularly check in on their well-being and ensure they have access to shade, hydration, and cooling measures to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Domestic Helper Contract And Visa Renewal
As an employer, please note that you need to renew your helper’s contract and visa every two years. If you would like to save time and trouble going to the Immigration Department and POLO, you may contact the HelperChoice team to process your helper visa application for you.
See also: Contract Renewal For Filipino Maids