THE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) urged companies to create a “heat risk action plan” in workplaces amid the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.
The labor group called on employers to come up with policies and practices that will protect the health and well-being of workers from heat exhaustion.
Here are some of the proposed measures:
* provision of “heat breaks”, particularly for outdoor workers, during the hottest hours of the day – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.;
* “buddy system” for workers to be able to check on each other’s well-being; and
* regular “hydration reminders” for workers to drink adequate water even before they feel thirsty
“We call for social dialogues among workers and employers, through the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Committee in every workplace, to prioritize measures that will be part and parcel of their Heat Risk Action Plan,” the TUCP added.
It also pushed for “heat stress orientation sessions” to educate workers about identifying heat stress symptoms and appropriate responses and to have better ventilation in workplaces, such as opening the windows and adding electric fans.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has been cautioning the public to take precautionary measures as heat index levels top 40 degrees Celsius in various areas.
A heat index above 42 degrees Celsius is considered in the “danger category”, while a heat index between 38 and 41 degrees Celsius warrants “extreme caution”, both of which can impact human health by causing discomfort, heat stroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion.
PAGASA advises the public to stay cautious during peak heat hours, stay hydrated, use umbrellas, wear hats, and ensure they are prepared before going outdoors./PN
