Hong Kong frequently faces natural disasters such as typhoons, rainstorms, and landslides, which affect commuting safety and transportation. In particularly severe situations (e.g. large-scale flooding, blackout, transportation paralysis), the Government may issue an "Extreme Condition" announcement, which is handled similarly to Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above or the Black Rainstorm Signal, and may even be stricter.

Employers must clearly state work arrangements in advance: including reporting to work, leaving work, resumption, and work-from-home options, and designate which employees are "essential staff". Employers should minimize the number of employees required to report during severe weather and always prioritize safety.

Three Key Principles

• Consultation: Employers and employees should discuss practical arrangements, not impose one-size-fits-all rules.
• Safety First: Employees should not be forced to work if the workplace or commute is unsafe.
• Legal Compliance: Arrangements must comply with the Employment Ordinance, Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance, and Minimum Wage Ordinance.

Work and Commuting Arrangements

Signal	Issued Before Work	Issued During Work	Cancelled During Work Hours	Still in Force at End of Work
Amber / Red Rainstorm Signal No.1 or 3	Employees report as usual; if blocked or delayed, notify supervisor.	Indoor work continues; outdoor tasks stop. Flexibility for pregnant or disabled employees.	After cancellation, resume work as agreed; if difficulties arise, inform supervisor.	Normal dismissal.
Black Rainstorm	Do not set out; stay in a safe place.	Employees at workplace may continue if safe; leave or shelter if unsafe.	After cancellation, resume work within about 2 hours where safe; flexible if transport is not restored.	Stay in safe place until rain passes; employers should provide shelter.
Typhoon Signal No.8 or above	Do not set out, except essential staff pre-agreed.	When "Pre-No.8" alert is issued, release staff in batches; unsafe sites require evacuation.	After cancellation, resume work as per safety/transport; if less than 3 hours before off duty, resumption may be waived.	Employees may shelter or stay overnight; employers should not demand return to work.
Extreme Condition (severe flooding, transport paralysis)	Do not set out; employees stay where they are or in safe places.	Those already at work can continue if safe; otherwise evacuate or shelter.	After termination, resume work when safe and feasible; employers should allow phased resumption or work-from-home.	Employees may stay in workplace until safe; employers must provide shelter.

Resumption of Work

• After the signal is lifted, employees should return to work within two hours (if safety permits).
• If the signal is lifted less than three hours before the end of the shift, employers may allow employees not to return to work.
• Employers should make flexible return-to-work arrangements based on their employees' circumstances:
  • If traffic has not yet resumed in certain areas (e.g., due to landslides or flooding), employers may allow staggered return to work or allow employees who have difficulty returning to work to work remotely.
  • Employers should proactively consult employees about difficulties returning to work (e.g., by checking road conditions via group messaging) rather than unilaterally demanding punctuality.
  • Pregnant women, employees with disabilities, or those living in remote areas may be eligible for flexible return-to-work hours.

Working from Home (WFH) Regulations

1. Start condition

• Employer must assess feasibility in advance, and stipulate in employment contract or employee handbook:
  • Applicable positions (such as clerical work, duties operable remotely by system)
  • Triggering situations: Typhoon signal no. 8 or above, black rainstorm, extreme situations, or encountering safety risks on the way back to work

2. Execution key points

Item	Employer’s Responsibility	Employee’s Responsibility
Equipment Support	Provide necessary tools (computer, encryption software) Bear communication expenses (internet/telephone)	Properly safeguard confidential documents, comply with information security guidelines
Work Supervision	Establish clear work indicators and reporting mechanism (such as submitting progress by email daily) Ensure communication channels are smooth	Maintain work efficiency, complete assigned tasks on time
Safety Assurance	Fulfill responsibility under “Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance”, ensure risks in home working environment are controlled	Immediately report work injury accidents during home working period

3. Salary Calculation

• Remote working hours are regarded as normal working hours, employer must not deduct wages.
• If unable to work due to equipment failure, handling method should be negotiated according to the “Employment Ordinance” (for example compensatory leave or discretionary pay).

Allowance Arrangement

The following allowance arrangement only applies to “designated personnel who must still go to work even under typhoon signal no. 8 or above, black rainstorm, or extreme situations.” General staff, if permitted not to work due to weather signals, then allowances are not involved.

Allowance Arrangements

The following allowances apply only to “designated staff who must report to work even under Typhoon Signal No.8 or above, Black Rainstorm, or Extreme Conditions.” General staff who are excused from duty due to weather signals are not entitled to allowances.

Type of Allowance	Applicable Situation	Description
Duty Allowance	Typhoon Signal No.8 or above, Black Rainstorm, Extreme Conditions	For designated staff who must report to duty, employers should provide extra allowance, calculated by hourly rate or as a percentage of salary.
Transport Allowance	Severe weather causes transport disruption or suspension	If the employer cannot provide shuttle service, an additional transport allowance should be paid (fixed sum or reimbursement, whichever is higher).
Extended Duty Compensation	Relief staff cannot arrive, requiring colleagues to stay voluntarily	Employers must pay compensation above normal wages, and provide adequate rest and meal arrangements.

Outdoor and High-Risk Work

When Signal No.3 or above, Black Rain, or Landslide Warning is in effect, high-risk tasks such as scaffolding, gondolas, or cranes must stop. Before resumption, qualified professionals must inspect facilities and confirm safety.

Legal Safeguards

• Employment Ordinance: Employers cannot deduct statutory holidays or annual leave to offset lost hours.
• Employees’ Compensation Ordinance: Accidents within 4 hours before or after work, on direct commute routes during Signal No.8, Black Rain or Extreme Conditions, are deemed work-related.
• Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance: Employers must ensure a safe working environment.

Conclusion

During inclement weather, safety is paramount. Employers and employees can maintain two-way communication, develop contingency plans, and maintain room for negotiation. Employers should clearly outline arrangements for commuting, resumption of work, and allowances. Employees should monitor Observatory signals and notify their supervisors immediately if any difficulties arise.