Work arrangements under “extreme weather”? Typhoon warning, yellow, red, black rainstorm warning to go to work?

There are still typhoons in November? How to arrange work under “extreme weather”? Can an employer require an employee to continue to work? Under what circumstances can work be resumed? This article summarizes the work arrangements under typhoon warnings, yellow, red, and black rainstorm warnings. Employers and employees are welcome to refer to:

Work arrangements under “extreme weather”?

Due to the impact of super typhoon Mangkhut in previous years, the Labor Department revised the “Code of Work under Typhoon and Rainstorm Warning” in 2019, and the code aims to remind employers to consult employees about work and resumption arrangements under severe weather as early as possible before the typhoon season comes .

The revision includes “extreme circumstances” to provide employers and employees with reference examples of work and return to work arrangements. For example, public transport services are severely disrupted, widespread flooding, severe landslides or large-scale power outages. Depending on the situation, the government will announce “extreme conditions” before Typhoon Warning No. 8 is changed to Typhoon Warning No. 3.

After an “extreme situation” is issued, employers and employees should specify reasonable and practicable work/return arrangements under inclement weather, and agree on work arrangements for essential personnel, and employers should also adopt a flexible approach.　　 　　 

Arrangements for work under typhoon warning, yellow, red and black rainstorm warning?

When Typhoon No. 1 and No. 3 are issued / Amber and Red Rainstorm Warnings are in force:

1) If the above-mentioned severe weather warning is issued by the Observatory before the start of working hours:

Under normal circumstances, employees can go to and from get off work as usual. However, once an employee encounters practical difficulties such as road blockage, affected public transport services, flooding or landslides on the way to and from the company, he should inform the relevant person in charge of the company as soon as possible to avoid unreasonable absence from work. Withholding salary.

In addition, if employees have specific needs, such as employees who are disabled or pregnant, employers should consider their work situation as appropriate and provide instructions and assistance as early as possible.

2) If the above severe weather warning is issued by the Observatory during working hours:

Employees working outdoors should follow the employer’s instructions to take shelter in a safe place or even consider not allowing employees to work at the workplace. Employees working indoors may continue to work as usual.

Likewise, whenever an employee encounters any practical difficulties that prevent him or her from going to the company or place of work, it is advisable to notify the company as soon as possible.

3) If the above severe weather warning is issued by the Observatory after working hours:

At the end of working hours, employees can leave the company as usual. However, once the weather is bad, the employer should open the workplace for employees to take shelter from the wind and rain.

When a Black Rainstorm Warning is in effect:

1) If the above-mentioned severe weather warning is issued by the Observatory before the start of working hours:

Employers should not require employees to report to work, except for essential personnel only. In addition, the two parties should agree on work arrangements under safe conditions. If you are unable to go to work due to practical difficulties, you should notify as soon as possible. At the same time, employers should put the safety of their employees as their top priority.

2) If the above severe weather warning is issued by the Observatory during working hours:

If a warning has been issued during work, employees working indoors should stay in a safe place to take shelter and can work as usual. If there is danger, they should stop and take shelter immediately.

3) If the above severe weather warning is issued by the Observatory after working hours:

Likewise, employees should take shelter in a safe place, and it is the employer’s responsibility to provide a suitable workplace for employees to take shelter. Under safe circumstances, employers will leave work in batches according to employees’ needs.

When Typhoon Warning No. 8 or above is in effect:

1) If the above-mentioned severe weather warning is issued by the Observatory before the start of working hours:

Employers should not require employees to report to work, except for essential personnel only. In addition, the two parties should agree on work arrangements under safe conditions. If you are unable to go to work due to practical difficulties, you should notify as soon as possible. At the same time, employers should put the safety of their employees as their top priority.

2) If the above severe weather warning is issued by the Observatory during working hours:

Employers should not require other employees to report to work, except essential personnel only. Work can only be resumed when safety is ensured; once there is a potential risk at the workplace, the two parties should communicate more, and generally give priority to not going to the location.

3) If the above severe weather warning is issued by the Observatory after working hours:

Employers should not require other employees to report to work, except essential personnel only.