MMDA to re-implement ‘heat stroke break’ for field personnel

Beginning April 1, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) field personnel will get a 30-minute “heat stroke break” for them to cope up with the summer heat.

According to the memorandum circular issued, the rest for its manpower will be re-implemented to protect field personnel from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps due to severe heat waves. 

“This move is part of the agency’s efforts to prevent heat-related illness among our outdoor workers who brave the searing heat every day to fulfill their duties and responsibilities. Their safety is of paramount importance,” MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes was quoted as saying.

To be implemented daily through rotation, the heat stroke break will take effect until May 31.

Based on the policy, on-duty traffic enforcers and street sweepers are allowed to leave their posts in shifts to seek shelter from the sun and take a 30-minute break to allow their bodies to cool down.

Here are the prescribed heat stroke breaks for traffic enforcers:

• Those who are on the 5 a.m.-1 p.m. shift, the prescribed “heat stroke break” is from 10 a.m.-10:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.- 11 a.m.
• Those who are working the 1 p.m.-9 p.m. period shall have their break time from 2:30 p.m.-3 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Personnel who are manning their posts 6 a.m.- 2 p.m. may have their “heat stroke break” from 11 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.- 12 noon
• Enforcers on the 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. shift may have their rest from 3 p.m.-3:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Below are the recommended heat stroke breaks for street sweepers:

• Those who work from 6 a.m.-2 p.m., the prescribed break is from 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m. or 11:30 am-12 noon
• For those under 7 a.m.-4 p.m. shift, they shall observe 12 noon-1 p.m. regular break time
• Those within the 11 a.m.-7 p.m. period, the break time is from 2:30 p.m.-3 p.m. or 3 p.m.-3:30 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.

An additional 15-minute break time may also be taken should the heat index or the “human discomfort index” in Metro Manila reaches 40 degrees Celsius and above.

Earlier, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration declared the start of the warm and dry season, which is expected to last until May.

Photos from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

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