"S Korean workers get ice vests as heat rises,"

Ice vests and adjusted hours are being offered to workers at some of South Korea’s biggest companies to protect staff from stifling heat as the nation braces for more scorching weather this month.

Employees at petrochemical producer LG Chem Ltd are being offered ice vests to keep cool, while workers at the nation’s biggest steelmaker, Posco Holdings Inc, and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co can take extended breaks to prevent heat-related illness.

The adjustments have been made due to rising temperatures, spokespeople said...

South Korea raised its heat wave warning to the highest level for the first time in four years earlier this week, with some parts of the nation experiencing temperatures above 38oC...

To cope with heat, LG Chem is also offering extended breaks if temperatures are forecast to remain above 33oC for more than two days. Battery maker LG Energy Solution Ltd said it has changed the hours for staff working in outdoor construction to avoid exposure to the hottest parts of the day.

Shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean Co said it would extend lunch breaks by one hour if temperatures exceed 31.5oC, and Samsung Electronics Co said the company is complying with the nation’s guidelines and constantly checking temperatures at its working areas to ensure the safety of employees...