From cooling vests to flexible shift schedules... Lotte ensures "everyone's safety" amid record-breaking heatwaves: "Worker safety is as important as that of players and fans."

*This content was translated by AI.

The Lotte Giants meticulously safeguarded not only players and fans but also on-site workers who contribute to creating baseball games amid persistent heatwaves.

Recently, the Busan and Gyeongnam regions experienced scorching temperatures reaching up to 41°C, triggering a "heatwave major alert," the highest level of the newly introduced heatwave warning system effective from June 1 this year. This alert is issued when the apparent temperature reaches or exceeds 35°C for two consecutive days or is forecasted to reach 38°C or higher in a single day.

On the 30th, despite ground temperatures at Sajik Baseball Stadium soaring to 71°C, the Lotte-Samsung game proceeded. As a result, Lotte's Hwang Seong-bin reported dizziness, and catcher Son Seong-bin exhibited mild fever and vomiting symptoms, leading to his substitution after just two innings.

In response, the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced new heatwave countermeasures within a day. For regions under a heatwave major alert, the KBO stated it would actively consider postponements or cancellations with safety as a priority. Accordingly, the first heatwave cancellation of the year was decided for the Busan Samsung-Lotte and Changwon KIA-NC games on the 1st.

Heatwave measures in professional baseball can no longer be limited to simply spraying water or preparing ice packs. Amid this backdrop, Lotte's self-developed countermeasures have drawn attention. For two years, Lotte has established its own heat shelters outside Sajik Baseball Stadium and distributed cooling supplies, earning positive feedback from fans.

However, as actual peak temperatures exceeded 40°C, more detailed responses became necessary. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), when the apparent temperature reaches 38°C, risks of overall mortality and cardiovascular disease-related deaths rise sharply. Incidents of spectators losing consciousness or showing symptoms of heatstroke have continued at baseball stadiums in both last year and this year.

Lotte introduced an upgraded plan. First, it transformed heat shelters that merely provided shade into cool container units. A Lotte organization official told StarNews: "This year, our club operates three outdoor and one indoor heat shelter for fans. We expanded facilities compared to previous years to improve cooling efficiency and accommodate more people. Additionally, we have arranged a waiting room for heatstroke patients and deployed emergency medical personnel inside the facility to ensure immediate transport to hospitals in critical situations. As heatwaves intensify annually, we plan to continuously improve this system."

Support for the player team was also strengthened. The club frequently activated sprinklers on the field and provided players with personal fans and ice packs to help them cool down. Around Danojeol (the hottest day of summer), special meals were prepared to aid the team's physical recovery.

The facility most appreciated by players is the cold-water bath installed in the locker room. Since the start of summer, Lotte has maintained a cold-water bath for players to use before and after training and games, keeping it at an optimal temperature. This measure helps rapidly lower body temperatures elevated during heatwaves and aids recovery.

Lotte's consideration extended beyond players and spectators. The club also established separate rest booths for workers from partner companies, including groundkeepers, security personnel, and parking attendants who work long hours under intense sunlight.

Cooling vests equipped with fans were distributed to on-site workers. The rotation schedule was shortened to prevent any individual from working outdoors for extended periods, and the rotation system was strengthened.

A Lotte organization official explained: "When developing heatwave countermeasures, we recognized that working conditions for partner company staff could also be hazardous. We believe the safety of those exposed to direct sunlight, such as groundkeepers, security guards, and parking lot managers, is just as important as that of players and fans."

The official added: "We distributed cooling vests to all these workers and requested partner companies to implement flexible work schedules. By frequently rotating staff rather than allowing long shifts, we aim to reduce the risks of heatstroke and safety accidents."

Amid record-breaking heatwaves, Lotte expanded its protection scope from outdoor heat shelters for fans to cooling vests and shift rotations for on-site workers at Sajik Baseball Stadium, increasing the likelihood that everyone visiting the stadium can safely enjoy baseball.

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*This content was translated by AI.