“Hong Kong’s cleaners don’t have proper protection against effects of tear gas as they pick up pieces after protests”, 4 September 2019

A union representing workers who clean Hong Kong’s streets, public toilets and markets has asked they be provided with protective gear as anti-government violence continues to escalate. The Cleaning Workers Union also wants rules eased so workers can stop what they are doing without fear of being punished if clashes break out near them.

A survey of 75 cleaners… found that none of them were properly protected from the effects of tear gas, and some complained about eye and respiratory pain after being exposed to the chemical weapon…

 “Although the government contracts out cleaning work to private companies, the government still has an obligation to make sure the workers are safe,” she [the union’s spokeswoman] said.

“The government should give more guidelines to the contractors, say, the cleaners should have an early leave before protests happen. Even the MTR closes stations before big protests.”…

In response, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said it attached great importance to the safety of employees working for its contractors.

“In case there is protest or mass public event that could affect the safety of cleaners, we would ask the cleaners to stop work, and for the company to send them to a safe and suitable site elsewhere to work,” said the department in a statement…