The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is urging employers to implement work-hour adjustments to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat, particularly in industries like construction.
DOLE Bureau of Working Conditions Director Alvin Curada emphasized the need for preventive measures as temperatures continue to rise. Speaking on the Bagong Pilipinas program, Curada recommended a split work schedule to help employees avoid the most intense heat of the day. He suggested work shifts from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., resuming from 2 p.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. to limit exposure between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., when temperatures are at their peak.
In addition to adjusting working hours, DOLE also advises companies to adopt a buddy system, ensuring workers have a partner to monitor each other’s well-being during shifts. Employers are also encouraged to provide regular breaks every two to three hours, allowing employees time to rest and recover from prolonged sun exposure.
The recommendations come as the country braces for increasing temperatures, which pose significant health risks, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke. DOLE continues to call on employers to prioritize worker safety by implementing heat-related safety measures in the workplace.
