MMDA field personnel get 'heat stroke break'

Beginning next month, all field personnel — which includes traffic enforcers — of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be getting additional “heat stroke break”.

According to MMDA Chair Romando Artes, the newly-signed memorandum circular that re-implements the health-related policy is to protect its manpower from illnesses like heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps that can be triggered by the severe heat wave.

The policy, Artes said, allows on-duty personnel to leave their respective posts to take the 30-minute rest. 

The prescribed heat stroke break for traffic enforcers on a 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. shift, is from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.; while those working from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. may take the 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. break.

Those manning their posts from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. may have the prescribed “heat stroke break” from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon.

Those under the 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. shift, the break time shall be observed from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

 "The 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 field operations are not hampered," Artes explained.

Further, field personnel may also avail the additional 15-minute break time, in case the heat index or the “human discomfort index” in Metro Manila reaches 40 degrees Celsius and above.

The heat stroke break shall take effect until May 31, 2022.

Photos from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

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