Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 1) — Senate Minority leader Koko Pimentel pushes for a mandatory work break, especially for employees exposed to the scorching heat just like what is being experienced in the country.
“The idea is to really maintain and safeguard the health of our workers… so this must be a mandatory break from exposure to the extreme,” Pimentel told CNN Philippines’ The Source on Monday.
The senator’s proposal comes as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that the heat index in Metro Manila and in other parts of the country will remain around 40° C in the following weeks.
In its latest projection, the state weather bureau said the highest heat index for Monday may reach 43°C that will be experienced in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
Based on PAGASA’s heat index chart, this is classified as “danger” and may cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Heat stroke is also possible due to continued exposure.
READ: EXPLAINER: What is the heat index?
Pimentel said his proposed policy is being implemented in the United Arab Emirates. Workers there are given time to rest during a specific time of the day to allow them to cool down, he noted.
If it will be implemented in the Philippines, the senator said the Science and Technology, Health, and Labor departments can work together to determine the guidelines for its implementation.
Pimentel suggested that when the temperature reaches 40°C and unless there are emergency tasks, employees should be given 1-2 hours away from the sun which should be counted as work hours.
