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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider MMDA implements 'heat stroke break' for enforcers, other field personnel

MMDA implements 'heat stroke break' for enforcers, other field personnel

Published Mar 29, 2023 12:50 am
Traffic enforcers and other field personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be given a daily heat stroke break in a bid to protect them from exhaustion and other health-related concerns due to heat waves that are now being experienced in Metro Manila and most parts of the country. MMDA chairman Don Artes said the heat stroke break for all their field personnel will be for 30 minutes and will be implemented starting April 1. “This move is part of the agency’s efforts to prevent heat-related illness among our outdoor workers who brave the searing heat every day to fulfill their duties and responsibilities. Their safety is of paramount importance,” said Artes. The implementation of the policy was announced as the experts from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) have declared the start of the warm and dry season, which is expected to last until May. Under the policy, on-duty traffic enforcers and street sweepers are allowed to leave their posts in shifts to seek shelter from the sun and take a 30-minute break to allow their bodies to cool down. Break sked  For traffic enforcers who work from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. shift, the prescribed “heat stroke break” is from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. For those working from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. shift, the break time shall be observed from 2:30 pm to 3 p.m. or 3 pm to 3:30 p.m. For those working from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., the prescribed “heat stroke break” is from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon. And for 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. shift, the break time shall be observed from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Meanwhile, for street sweepers who work from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift, the prescribed “heat stroke break” is from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon; and for 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. shift, they shall observe 12 noon to 1 pm regular break time. For those working from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. shift, the break time shall be observed from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Additional break Artes said field personnel can also take an additional 15-minute break time in case the heat index or the “human discomfort index” in Metro Manila reaches 40 degrees Celsius and above.  A number of people have died due to heat stroke and this is what they are trying to prevent, according to Artes. "The heat stroke break shall be done alternately by those who are assigned in a particular area to maintain visibility of traffic enforcers and street sweepers and to ensure field operations are not hampered," said Artes. Prevention  The Department of Health earlier warned the public against heat stroke, which it said is common during the dry season.   Some symptoms of heat exhaustion include dark-colored urine, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, pale skin, excessive sweating, and rapid heartbeat. If left untreated, the DOH said heat exhaustion may progress to heat stroke, which in turn can damage the brain and other parts of the body and cause death. The DOH advised the public to always be hydrated by drinking plenty of water. It added that people should stay indoors between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the heat of the sun is at its strongest.  
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