The Impact of Asymmetry in Industrial Site Heat Index Information on the Right to Stop Work

Workers face “information asymmetry” because heat-related illness prevention guidelines in industrial settings lack enforceability—remaining merely “recommendations”—and the complex method for calculating apparent temperature can limit workers' access to workplace heat-risk information. In Korean industrial settings without access to objective risk data, workers cannot effectively exercise the right to stop work under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. effectively. To bridge this gap, this study proposes a worker-centric overhaul of the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s heat-related illness guidelines that would enable on-site workers to recognize immediately risks and exercise their rights. Furthermore, to prevent these rights from becoming ineffective due to fear of reprisal, this study suggests institutional safeguards, such as codifying guidelines for exercising the right to stop work based on objective indicators and establishing provisions that exempt subcontractors from liability to prime contractors for delays caused by legitimate work stoppages. Ultimately, this study presents a concrete roadmap that directly links prevention policies—previously limited to mere recommendations—to workers’ right to know. The proposed framework aims to support the effective exercise of the right to stop work by improving access to risk information and strengthening institutional safeguards.