ILOILO City — Alarmed by the sustained rise in the heat index across Western Visayas, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has ordered employers to implement protective measures to shield workers from potentially life-threatening heat stress.
The directive, anchored on Labor Advisory No. 8, series of 2023 and Article 168 of the Labor Code, underscores the urgency for private sector establishments to adopt proactive and systematic strategies as extreme heat conditions intensify in the region.
DOLE Region 6 said employers must conduct thorough risk assessments of heat exposure in workplaces, with particular focus on employees vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases.
Atty. Sixto Rodriguez Jr., DOLE-6 regional director, stressed the need for immediate improvements in workplace environments.
According to Rodriguez, all establishments must prioritize the implementation of effective ventilation and comprehensive heat insulation in their workspaces.
He added that employers should consider installing advanced ventilation systems and exhaust fans to maintain conditions that are safe and conducive to productivity.
The advisory also mandates adjustments in work-rest cycles, urging employers to provide longer breaks during peak heat hours to allow workers to recover from heat exposure.
Operational changes are likewise encouraged, including transferring physically demanding or time-sensitive tasks to cooler or shaded areas to minimize health risks.
Employers are also urged to provide appropriate protective gear, including wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective goggles, and lightweight, breathable uniforms that reduce overheating.
Ensuring access to free and adequate drinking water is also critical, DOLE-6 emphasized, noting that hydration is key to preventing heat-related illnesses.
The agency further pushed for flexible work arrangements, calling on employers and workers to agree on adjusted schedules or alternative working hours during periods of extreme heat.
“Flexibility in work arrangements is not merely a suggestion; it is a vital strategy for the well-being of our workforce,” Rodriguez said.
DOLE-6 said flexible work arrangements remain voluntary but are strongly encouraged to protect workers while maintaining productivity.
Rodriguez also assured that DOLE, in partnership with the Occupational Safety and Health Center, is ready to extend technical assistance to help companies review and strengthen their occupational safety programs.
With heat index levels expected to remain high, DOLE-6 reiterated its call for employers to take immediate, concrete steps to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for all employees./PN
