Hutchison Ports keeps staff cool as the heat rises
As global temperatures rise and heat waves become more frequent, the safety and well-being of workers in some of the world’s hottest regions has become a growing concern. To tackle this issue, Hutchison Ports is taking steps to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on its workforce. Under the leadership of Joe Ho, Director of Safety, Security and Environment, Hutchison Ports has worked with its frontline staff to develop a robust strategy informed by staff feedback and regional climate data. This will ensure that its employees are protected against the hazards of rising temperatures.
The trend only points up
Historical data indicate a significant increase in ambient temperatures across operational regions, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Mr Ho explains that across the board, temperatures in some of these areas have increased by 1.5 to 2°C since the 1960s. Citing the World Bank Group and the United Nations, he explains that these areas are also experiencing more frequent, intense, and prolonged heat waves. "I can't tell the future”, Mr Ho says, “but I can see the very high chance [that] the trend [of] hotter and hotter ambient temperature and the frequency of heat waves [...] will continue.”
In response to these findings, Hutchison Ports has implemented a range of measures to protect its workforce from the dangers of extreme heat, ensuring that workers can operate safely even in the most challenging conditions.
A lot of the company’s heat mitigation measures were developed based on direct feedback from the employees most affected by the heat.
Hydration station
At several terminals, such as the two terminals in Karachi, Pakistan, multiple hydration stations have been established, providing easy access to water and electrolyte beverages. These stations are strategically placed to ensure that workers, particularly those in outdoor roles such as stevedores and maintenance, can stay hydrated throughout their shifts. Additionally, shaded rest areas equipped with cooling systems on the quayside offer workers a place to cool down and recover during breaks.
To avoid overexposure to extreme heat, Hutchison Ports has adopted flexible work schedules. In regions where temperatures can soar above 40°C, work shifts are carefully planned to minimise outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 12pm and 3pm. Workers are encouraged to take regular breaks, with some terminals implementing a schedule that includes 15 minutes of rest for every hour of work.
Heat stress training and first aid
Recognising the importance of education in preventing heat-related episodes, Hutchison Ports has rolled out comprehensive heat stress training across its terminals. Employees are trained to recognise the symptoms of heat stroke, heat exhaustion and other heat-related conditions. Workers are also trained in relevant first aid procedures so that they can respond quickly and effectively if a colleague begins to suffer from heat stress.
Always keen to embrace practical technological innovation, Hutchison Ports continues to expand its fleet of remote-controlled cranes at its terminals. These cranes allow operators to work from air-conditioned indoor environments remotely, significantly reducing their exposure to extreme heat. The adoption of such technologies not only enhances worker safety but also improves operational efficiency.
[Remote-controlled] cranes allow operators to work from air-conditioned environments, significantly reducing their exposure to extreme heat.
Collaboration is key
Mr Ho emphasises that a lot of the company’s heat mitigation measures were developed based on direct feedback from the employees most affected by the heat.
The feedback process is formalised to ensure that it isn’t neglected. For example, during every shift change, when the crane operators and stevedores hand over, they have a "toolbox talk" with operation managers about any problems, difficulties or suggestions they might have.
One result is the optimisation of shuttle bus stop locations to suit the needs of the workers. Using this system of communication has proven to make a positive difference to their safety and overall working conditions.
While Hutchison Ports does not maintain a centralised weather monitoring system, its terminals are equipped with the necessary tools to access local weather data and forecasts. This information is used to make real-time adjustments to operations based on expected heat conditions. By leveraging local data, terminals can anticipate heatwaves and implement protective measures in advance.
As climate change subjects many regions to longer periods of extreme temperatures, Hutchison Ports remains committed to protecting its workforce. The company’s approach, characterised by its use of data, technological innovation and collaboration with frontline workers, sets a strong example for the industry. In a world where extreme heat waves have become the norm, Hutchison Ports is playing it cool by prioritising the safety and well-being of its workers.