Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 29) — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will implement a 30-minute “heat stroke break” for its field personnel starting April 1.
\”This move is part of the agency’s efforts to prevent heat-related illnesses among our outdoor workers who brave the searing heat every day to fulfill their duties and responsibilities,\” MMDA acting chairperson Don Artes said on Wednesday.
\”Their safety is of paramount importance,\” he added.
Artes has signed a memorandum circular to reimplement the \”heat stroke break,\” allowing on-duty traffic enforcers and street sweepers to leave their posts for 30 minutes daily to cool down their bodies. This will take effect until May 31.
On March 22, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration declared the start of the warm and dry season, which is expected to last until May.
Artes added the \”heat stroke break\” shall be done alternately by personnel to maintain visibility in their assigned areas.
\”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,\” the MMDA said.
According to the policy, prescribed breaks are as follows:
(Shift = prescribed break)
For traffic enforcers
– 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. shift = 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
– 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. shift = 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
– 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift = 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
– 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. shift = 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
For street sweepers
– 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift = 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
– 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. shift = 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (Regular break time)
