“‘‘20-minute break during heatwaves’ policy delayed under regulatory commission pressure”, 2 June 2025

A government policy requiring workers to be given at least a 20-minute break every two hours when the perceived temperature exceeds 33°C has been delayed following a review by the Presidential Regulatory Reform Committee.

In January, the Ministry of Employment and Labour announced a draft amendment to the Occupational Health and Safety Rules, including measures such as mandatory 20-minute breaks within two hours when the perceived temperature reaches 33°C, the installation of thermometers in workplaces, documentation of heatwave countermeasures, and the provision of cooling facilities. (…)

However, the Regulatory Reform Committee recommended that the ministry reconsider the proposed measures during its first and second reviews in April and May, respectively, arguing that the rules were excessively strict and lacked clear effectiveness. (…)

The ministry has now announced that it will reintroduce a revised draft, removing the clause mandating a 20-minute break within two hours once the perceived temperature exceeds 33°C. (…)

Labour groups have strongly criticised the decision. (…)

Workplace injuries caused by extreme heat have been cited as a persistent structural problem. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, between 2018 and 2023, an average of 863.2 workers per year suffered from heat-related illnesses at work, with 144.2 hospitalisations and 8.6 deaths annually.