Photo: VCG

Local authorities in Yuncheng, North China's Shanxi Province, released a statement on Thursday addressing public concern over sanitation workers wearing electronic badges while on duty, saying the devices are designed to enhance safety rather than impose punishment.

According to the local urban management bureau of Yuncheng, the electronic badges are equipped with SOS emergency assistance, automatic clock-in, and work dispatching functions. They are intended to reduce risks in outdoor operations through digital management and provide timely support, especially for older workers. The bureau stressed that there is no regulation of "punishment for standing still."

The response came after a report by Haibao News, a local media in East China's Shandong Province said the use of the smart badges had sparked discussion online. Some sanitation workers claimed the devices monitor periods of inactivity and that staying still too long could lead to pay deductions, with even short breaks in the shade or bathroom trips potentially triggering alerts.

In its statement, the bureau said that based on the nature of sanitation work, it began learning from advanced practices in other provinces and cities in December 2023 and introduced electronic badges mainly for safety and emergency management. The system issues alerts when a worker remains stationary for a long time, prompting area supervisors to go to the site to check the situation, with the focus on identifying possible safety risks or whether assistance is needed.

"In daily management, we always respect real conditions and take into account task completion, workload and practical difficulties. There is no regulation that 'standing still equals punishment,'" the statement said.

Calling sanitation workers "guardians of our city," the bureau added that protecting their safety and rights is a top priority. It also pledged to continue listening to public feedback, improve management methods, strengthen humane care and create a better working environment.

Global Times