Workers have right to ‘heat breaks” — DOH

Amid the severe heat being experienced in the country, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa on Thursday underscored the importance of giving heat breaks to workers, particularly those exposed directly under the sun, to prevent them suffering from heat-related illnesses.

Herbosa said this at a press conference, following the reports that a 75-year-old man was found dead in Ilocos Sur possibly due to heat stroke.

“I’m sorry to hear na may namatay [that someone has died] because heat stroke and deaths due to heat-related illness is preventable,” the Health chief said.

Herbosa thus welcomed the move by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to allow employees who have health issues aggravated by the high heat index to file a leave of absence.

He also backed the proposal to have construction workers do their work at night when temperatures are cooler.

“I-protect nalang ‘yung workers through proper health breaks. The most important thing is it is the right of the workers kung sabihin niya kailangan niya ng break, pwede dapat mag-break,” Herbosa said.

(Let’s protect the workers through proper health breaks. The most important thing here is the rights of the workers. If they say that they need a break, then they should be able to take a break.)

In 2023, DOLE issued Labor Advisory 08, providing guidelines for addressing extreme heat situations.

However, House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas argued that this labor advisory “fails to protect” outdoor workers and informal workers, including those in agriculture, docks, construction, delivery riders, and other platform workers who are more at risk of heat stress and heat stroke. 

Brosas has urged the Marcos Jr. administration to release an executive order mandating heat breaks or special or unscheduled breaks from work during times of severe heat.

The Department of Health (DOH) has been warning the public against heat-related illnesses that become more prevalent with extreme temperatures.

The public is advised to take preventive measures against heat-related illnesses, including drinking plenty of water, and to avoid beverages such as iced tea, soda, coffee, or alcoholic drinks.

People should also limit their time spent outdoors between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., use protection against sunburn such as hats, umbrellas, and sunblock, and to wear loose and lightweight clothing.—RF, GMA Integrated News