The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has expressed concern and alarm over the significant impact of dangerous heat indexes recorded around the country on workers.
In a statement, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said they are worried regarding the possible health risks that could arise for workers due to excessively hot workplaces.
"Ang pinaka mataas na temperatura na naitala na 43-45 degree Celsius ng PAGASA sa ilang rehiyon ay nagbabadya ng matinding banta sa kalusugan, hindi lamang sa mga ordinaryong mamamayan, kundi lalo pa sa mga manggagawa na nakabilad sa init ng araw sa oras ng kani-kanilang trabaho (The extreme temperatures ranging from 43 to 45 degrees Celsius as recorded by PAGASA in certain areas present a significant health risk, not just for the general populace but particularly for laborers who endure prolonged exposure to the sun while performing their duties)," said Laguesma.
The labor chief observed that the regions with high heat indexes are also areas with a significant concentration of workers.
"Ang matinding init ng panahon ay ramdam din sa ating malalaking rehiyon tulad ng Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Central Visayas, at sa Kalakhang Maynila kung saan 47 porsyento ng manggagawang Pilipino sa buong Pilipinas ay apektado (The extreme heat of the weather is also felt in vast regions such as Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Central Visayas, and Metro Manila, where 47 percent of Filipino workers across the Philippines are affected)," said Laguesma.
Laguesma reiterated the agency's appeal to employers to comply with the regulations stated in Labor Advisory 8-2023, which offers detailed guidance on how to protect their employees' health and welfare amidst the scorching temperatures within the workplace.
"Kami sa kagawaran ay umaasa na ang ating mga mamumuhunan ay magpatupad ng agarang pagtugon sa panawagang ito para sa mapanatag at ligtas na trabaho ng ating manggagawa (We, in the Department, are hoping that our employers will promptly establish policies that will safeguard the health and safety of our workers)," he said.
Employers are strongly advised by the department to ensure that workplaces have sufficient ventilation and heat insulation, as stated in Labor Advisory 8-2023.
Additionally, DOLE has stated that employers have the option to modify rest breaks or work locations while also permitting the use of uniforms and personal protective equipment suitable for the current temperature.
DOLE also urged firms, with employee approval, to create flexible work arrangements that would allow for work hour adjustments while maintaining the total number of work hours per day or week until the weather improved.