Workers' deaths in summer heat spark public debate

While rains brought an end to scorching temperatures in north China on Wednesday, the deaths of seven workers in "sauna weather" late last week in Jinan were stirring a heated debate.

On Saturday morning, a street cleaner surnamed Yan in the capital of Shandong province got heatstroke after working long hours in the outdoors. He was soon sent to a hospital, but died later there.

Between July 30 and Aug. 1, another six migrant workers and street cleaners died at three hospitals in Jinan after working long hours in sauna weather.

The deaths shocked the public as they believed the outdoor workers did not get the due care from employers and governments.

"Both migrants and sanitary workers are at the bottom of our society. It is the responsibility of the government as well as society to take care of their safety," said Guo Feng, a local citizen.

"Such things should not happen again. Some one must stand out to protect them," Guo said.

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