Because We All Need a Break: Heat Stroke Break Given to MMDA Enforcers, Sweepers

The scorching blaze of the summer can have its toll on us. If those enjoying the comforts of their home are advised to drink plenty of liquids, what more to those outside?

Fortunately, the traffic enforcers and street sweepers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have been given an additional 30-minute 'heat stroke break' daily to cope with the blistering heat.

MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim recently signed a memorandum re-implementing the 'heat stroke break' policy to on-duty traffic enforcers and street sweepers to protect them from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps due to severe heat wave.

Traffic enforcers who work in shift from 5 AM to 1 PM will have a prescribed 'heat stroke brea'” from 10 AM to 10:30 AM or 10:30 AM to 11 AM.

Those working from the 1 PM to 9 PM shift, the break time shall be observed from 2:30 PM to 3 pm or 3 pm to 3:30 pm.

The 2 PM-10 PM shift, meanwhile, can take their added breaktime from 3 PM to 3:30 PM or 3:30 PM to 4 PM.

But those who are thinking of breaking the rules of the road on the said window of opportunity, think again as it will be done on shifts so there would still be someone manning their posts.

"Heat stroke break shall be done alternately by those who are assigned in a particular area to maintain visibility of traffic enforcers and street sweepers and to ensure that field operations are not hampered," Lim said.

On the other hand, street sweepers on-duty from 6 AM to 2 PM will have the prescribed 'heat stroke break' from 11 AM to 11:30 AM or 11:30 AM to 12 noon; for 7 AM to 4 PM shift, they shall observe 12 noon to 1 PM regular break time; while those working from 11 AM to 7 PM shall observe 2:30 PM to 3 PM or 3 PM to 3:30 PM break time.

Further, should the heat index reach 40 degrees Celsius or higher, field personnel may also avail themselves of an additional 15-minute break time.