Then the draft policy goes to the city's legislative body for review, and then it is decided whether to make it law or not.

In addition to the process, it's hard to define the targeted groups and other details, said Li, a former policy division leader.

"It's not sufficient to cover the outdoor workers, since workers inside some small plants are also exposed to the smog."

Besides, it's necessary to make clear what kind of subsidies or incentives are needed, the protective masks or cash, Li said, adding that it's more important to clarify the sources of the subsidies, from governments or companies or both.

Some companies said it would be a financial burden for them if they shouldered the subsidies alone.

A manager of a private property management company in Pingdingshan city, Henan province, complained it's not practical for workers outdoors to have breaks under severe smog, the Workers' Daily reported.

If the policy requires shortening working time or giving breaks, there would be fewer people to clean the roads, said the manager, who only revealed her surname, Zhang.

"The company would follow the regulation to give smog subsidies, but it needs the government to make clear the details," she said.