THE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) asked the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) to compel employers to protect workers from extreme heat, warning that voluntary workplace safety measures are insufficient amid the threat of Super El Niño.
In a statement on Tuesday, the labor group called for a department order requiring paid heat breaks, free drinking water and adequate workplace cooling, as well as penalties for employers that fail to comply.
“Extreme heat is a matter of life and death,” TUCP said, arguing that workers should not have to choose between protecting their health and losing their wages.
The group urged DoLE to convene an emergency meeting of the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, which brings together labor and employer representatives, to formulate a comprehensive heat-protection plan.
TUCP said a binding order would give employers clear obligations instead of relying on labor advisories that only encourage them to adopt safety measures.
Under its proposal, employers would have to provide workers with paid rest periods in shaded or cooled areas and adjust outdoor work schedules to avoid dangerous heat, particularly during the hottest hours of the day. Workers should not face wage deductions, loss of benefits, or disciplinary action for taking required breaks.
The proposed rules would also require employers to provide drinking water free of charge and establish systems to identify workers experiencing heat stress.
TUCP said workers showing symptoms of heat-related illness must be allowed to stop working and receive immediate medical attention. Workplaces should also have emergency response procedures and trained personnel capable of recognizing heat-related risks.
Employers should install exhaust systems, shield heat-producing equipment, and provide cooled recovery areas when necessary. If these measures are insufficient, companies should reduce workloads, adjust schedules, or suspend hazardous activities, TUCP said.
The proposed order would also require employers to train workers in recognizing heat stress, maintaining proper hydration, and responding to heat-related emergencies. — Pexcel John Bacon