ILOILO City – As temperatures continue to rise, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Western Visayas is urging employers to take concrete steps to protect workers from the dangers of heat stress.
DOLE Region 6 director Atty. Sixto Rodriguez Jr. reiterated the provisions of Labor Advisory No. 08, Series of 2023, reminding private sector employers of their duty to safeguard employees who are exposed to extreme heat, particularly those at risk of heat-related illnesses such as hypertension and kidney diseases.
The advisory calls for a thorough assessment of workplace conditions, especially where workers are exposed to high heat.
Among the recommended measures are improving ventilation and insulation to reduce indoor heat and humidity, adjusting rest periods, and relocating work to cooler areas when necessary.
Employers are also directed to provide heat-appropriate uniforms and personal protective equipment that offer protection from ultraviolet rays.
Workplaces must also ensure free and adequate supply of drinking water, encouraging workers to consume two to three liters daily.
The labor advisory further mandates the conduct of information campaigns on the symptoms of heat stress and the appropriate emergency response. Employers are advised to establish internal procedures and communication systems for handling heat-related emergencies.
To limit workers’ exposure to extreme heat, DOLE also recommends the adoption of flexible work arrangements. These may include adjusting work hours while still maintaining the total number of required work hours per day or week until weather conditions improve.
Rodriguez assured that DOLE-6 is ready to provide technical assistance to employers in reviewing and developing appropriate occupational safety and health measures against heat stress./PN
