Taiwan's Labor Ministry Prioritizes Small Firms for Fan Clothing Subsidies Due to Overwhelming Demand

(Central News Agency, Taipei, June 5) To help small and medium-sized enterprises combat heat stress, Taiwan's Ministry of Labor has been subsidizing the purchase of personal protective equipment such as fan clothing and cooling vests for SMEs and self-employed workers. However, due to an overwhelming number of applications, the ministry announced today that it will prioritize the review of subsidy applications from enterprises with fewer than 30 employees and self-employed workers.

As the scorching summer arrives, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the Ministry of Labor began accepting applications in May for subsidies for personal protective equipment like fan clothing and cooling vests for SMEs and self-employed workers. Subsidies are capped at NT$30,000 for enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and self-employed workers, and up to NT$50,000 for enterprises with fewer than 50 employees.

However, due to several consecutive days of hot weather in late May, Chang Kuo-ming, Director of the Occupational Health Division at OSHA, told CNA that applications have been pouring in. Therefore, applications from micro-enterprises with fewer than 30 employees and self-employed workers who completed their online applications by May 31 will be given priority review.

Chang explained that the subsidy guidelines already stipulated priority for enterprises with fewer than 30 employees and self-employed workers. However, due to the high volume of applications, those not included in the priority group will be notified later and allowed to apply again, depending on the budget situation. The ministry will continue to actively seek additional funding.

Chang noted that last year, approximately NT$10 million was allocated for subsidies related to high-temperature work prevention facilities, equipment, and personal protective gear. This year, the budget has been increased to nearly NT$40 million. The ministry will consider adjusting the subsidy items and targets in the future.

Chang also reminded employers that, in addition to protective clothing, they should strengthen workplace environment improvements such as cooling equipment, and ensure workers have adequate rest, hydration, and that their health conditions are monitored. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 115/06/05