Laborers Reminded of Rights Prior to Typhoon's Arrival|暴風圈傍晚碰觸陸地 北市勞動局勞檢營造工地

Before the arrival of the storm, Taipei City's Department of Labor inspected the working conditions at construction sites to ensure typhoon preparedness measures were being taken. It also addressed public concerns regarding working on typhoon days, saying laborers who may encounter accidents such as food delivery workers can exercise their right by refusing dangerous work.


Workers are busy tidying up at this construction site for a 14-story building. They began taking typhoon preparedness measures after hearing the news that Typhoon Maria is bearing down on Taiwan, hoping to minimize the damage from the typhoon. Meanwhile, Taipei City's Department of Labor carried out inspections at construction sites, to check on inspection items such as fixed support for steel scaffolding.

We pay close attention to the scaffolding used in construction when there are typhoons. We check whether they are attached to the overall structure. We also check the tie rods and other connectors in steel or concrete structures, and whether the appropriate measures are being taken to ensure everything is fixed in place.

The department was only halfway through its task when the city government announced that school and work would be suspended as of 4 p.m. on July 10. However, there are some jobs such as food delivery worker that are carried out even during typhoon days. The Department of Labor says if workers may encounter dangers while working on typhoon days, they can exercise their right to refuse dangerous work.

If the county or city government has formally announced a school or work stoppage at the work location, residence or along the travel route, you don't have to work, your attendance won't be affected and your salary can't be deducted. You also can't be disciplined for not showing up to work. This is a basic law enforcement principle in Taipei.

The department adds employers who violate the law can be fined up to NT$300,000. The name of the company and person in charge will also be made public. If workers need to take care of family members during typhoon days, they can apply for family care leave under the Act of Gender Equality in Employment.