Haenam County is strengthening safety management for seniors participating in its employment program in response to the ongoing heatwave. The county announced on July 31 that it is focusing administrative efforts on health protection for the 3,056 seniors currently involved in the program by enhancing safety measures and flexibly adjusting activity hours according to heat conditions.
Among the participants, 45%, or 1,384 seniors, are engaged in outdoor activities such as environmental maintenance, making the prevention of heat-related illnesses and safety management critical issues.
As the heat intensifies, the county has moved up the start times for activities and can reduce activity hours by up to 15 hours on particularly hot days.
Specifically, when a heat advisory is issued, outdoor activities will be suspended and replaced with indoor safety training or cultural activities to prioritize the health of seniors.
The county is also providing heat response supplies, including cooling sleeves, hats, and bottled water, while ensuring adequate rest periods during activities to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Additionally, the county is conducting thorough checks on the operating standards for activity hours, the distribution of heat response supplies, and emergency response systems at local offices and senior employment agencies. Any identified areas for improvement will be addressed immediately.
To prepare for the possibility of prolonged heat, Haenam County plans to continue on-site inspections and safety training to minimize safety blind spots.
Kim Gi-yong, head of the Family Happiness and Senior Welfare Team in Haenam County, stated, "As this summer is expected to see continued heat, we will prioritize the health and safety of participating seniors by strengthening on-site management and preventive activities. We will also ensure thorough responses to prevent safety blind spots through ongoing inspections of local offices and agencies."
Meanwhile, Haenam County plans to maintain a tailored safety management system that prioritizes the safety of senior employment participants in response to seasonal disasters, including heavy rain and cold waves, in addition to the heatwave.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.