Government Urges Halt of Public Construction Amid Heat Wave

Seoul: The government has issued a recommendation for related agencies to suspend public construction activities during heat waves, as announced by the finance ministry. This advisory comes in the wake of record-high temperatures recorded in Seoul, emphasizing the need for safety measures in extreme weather conditions.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Economy and Finance has disseminated guidelines to prevent heat-related safety accidents at public institutions. The guidelines suggest that companies involved in public projects should halt construction activities when the heat becomes unbearable, prioritizing the safety of workers and the integrity of the projects.

The ministry has also addressed potential financial implications, stating that any additional costs resulting from the suspension of work should be managed by extending the contract period and increasing the contract amount. This ensures that companies are not financially penalized for prioritizing safety during extreme weather conditions.

On Tuesday, Seoul experienced a scorching temperature of 37.7 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature ever recorded for early July in the capital since the beginning of record-keeping in 1908, as reported by the state weather agency. This unprecedented heat underlines the importance of the government's advisory to safeguard workers and maintain project standards during heat waves.