DOLE to employers: Implement measures to protect workers vs heat

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded employers on Friday to observe occupational safety practices as the country experiences high temperatures.

According to the DOLE, this is to keep workers safe and physically fit.

“Ang pinakamataas na temperatura ay naitala na 43-45 degrees Celsius ng PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) 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,” DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said in a statement.

(The highest temperature recorded by the Pagasa was 43-45 degrees Celsius in some regions, which poses health risks not only to ordinary people but even more for workers under direct sunlight during their working hours.)

Thus, the DOLE said that employers should follow Labor Advisory 8, which outlines safety practices in cases of extreme heat, which was released in 2023.

Some of the recommendations in the advisory include the use of heat-protective equipment, allowing breaks, and ensuring that their workplace is properly ventilated.

“Dahil dito, ang Kagawaran ay muling nagpapaalala sa ating mga mamumuhunan na bigyang-pansin ang ating panawagan na ipatupad sa ating mga panuntunan, na tinutukoy sa Labor Advisory 8, series of 2023, upang mapangalagaan ang kalusugan at kaligtasan ng mga manggagawa,” the DOLE added.

(Due to this, the DOLE is reminding employers to give attention to our call to implement Labor Advisory 8 in their workplace for the health and safety of workers.)